Chikuzen-ni Rice (Takikomi Gohan) in a Donabe or Rice Cooker

Name: Chikuzen-ni Rice (Takikomi Gohan) in a Donabe or Rice Cooker
Yield: Makes about 2 cups cooked rice
Ingredients: 1 bowl (about 1 cup/150 grams) leftover Chikuzen-ni; 2 cups (about 360 milliliters) uncooked Japanese short-grain rice; Water, combined with Chikuzen-ni simmering liquid, to make 2 cups (about 360 milliliters) total

Maena @cook_40097253

This is a creative way to reinvent leftover Chikuzen-ni by turning it into a flavorful mixed rice dish. Even if your Chikuzen-ni has lost its shine, it will come back to life in this recipe! Use all the simmering liquid, so nothing goes to waste.
Recipe background:
I made Chikuzen-ni because I was craving it, but ended up with leftovers. Turning it into mixed rice made it delicious again! It tastes great even when cold, so it's perfect for rice balls or packed lunches.

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Ingredients

Makes about 2 cups cooked rice

1 bowl(about 1 cup/150 grams) leftover Chikuzen-ni
2 cups(about 360 milliliters) uncooked Japanese short-grain rice
Water, combined with Chikuzen-ni simmering liquid, to make 2 cups (about 360 milliliters) total

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Steps

1

Rinse the rice and let it drain in a strainer for about 30 minutes.
2

Transfer the rice to a rice cooker. Add the cooled Chikuzen-ni simmering liquid, then add enough water to reach the 2-cup line.
3

Tip: Taste the liquid. If it's too mild, add a little more seasoning or a pinch of salt.
4

Add the Chikuzen-ni vegetables and meat. Cook the rice as usual.
5

Once cooked, fluff the rice. You can cut the Chikuzen-ni pieces smaller if you like, or leave them as they are for a heartier texture.
6

I usually cook this in a donabe (Japanese clay pot): For 2 cups of rice, cook over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, then low heat for 10 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it steam for 10 minutes. The rice will be fluffy and delicious!
7

If you have leftover mochi from New Year's, cut it into quarters and add it when cooking the rice for a chewy, sticky rice texture. Add as many pieces as you like.