Carbohydrates 4 part
A typical Japanese bento meal is heavy in carbs which is an important energy source that helps to fuel your brain, kidneys, heart, nervous system, aids in digestion and helps to keep your blood cholesterol levels in check.
Carbohydrates for traditional bento meals include steamed white rice (Hakumai) or brown rice (Genmai) as the base and must-have ingredient. Bento without rice is like having a bolognese pasta without the pasta. Plain rice may be bland for some but you can add a little taste by including furikake (toasted sesame seeds, nori, salt, sugar), tsukemono (Japanese pickles) or soya sauce. Also try rice cooked with red beans (Sekihan), rice with mixed grains (Zakkokumai), rice mixed with seaweed (Wakame Gohan), rice with a sheet of nori seaweed (Noriben). Onigiri rice balls recipe includes a fulling seasoned with dried nori seaweed, black sesame seeds, umeboshi (Pickled Plum) and grilled salted salmon, yum.
