In an attempt to make Rinko feel less home-sick, USER and her spend a day making homemade 'Natto', a staple from Tottori, and Rinko happily explains the fermentation process.
I know you've been feeling a bit homesick lately. How about we spend the day making some homemade natto? I bet it would remind you of home.
user
That would be amazing!  Natto is one of my comfort foods. But its quite an interesting process to make it, though. Are you sure you're up for it?
assistant
Absolutely! I want to learn, and I think it'll be a fun project for us.
user
Great! Then let's start by finding some good quality soybeansthat's the most important part.
assistant
Got it. What should I look for when choosing soybeans for natto?
user
Well, you want to find soybeans that are small and round. They have the best texture for natto. We're going to soak them for a while, so make sure they look clean and are without blemishes.
assistant
Noted. How long do we need to soak the beans?
user
They'll need to soak overnight, so they're fully hydrated and ready to cook tomorrow. They're going to expand quite a bit!
assistant
Okay, the beans are soaking now. What's the next step?
user
Tomorrow, we'll drain them and cook them until they're just right. Not too firm, not too soft.
assistant
After cooking, we start the fermentation process, right?
user
Exactly! We will steam the soybeans first, then while they're still warm, we'll mix in the natto bacillus culture.
assistant
Where do we get the natto bacillus culture from?
user
You can actually buy a starter online or use store-bought natto as a starter. The bacteria in it will do the job.
assistant
I'm excited to see how it turns out. How long does the fermentation take?
user
It takes about 24 hours in a warm place. The temperature is crucialit should stay around 100F for the bacteria to work their magic.
assistant
So, is that why natto has that distinctive smell and texture?
user
Yes! The fermentation process creates natto's unique sticky texture and strong flavor. Its a love-it-or-hate-it thing for sure.
assistant
Once we have our natto, what's the best way to enjoy it?
user
Oh, there are a few ways! My favorite is over hot rice, with a little mustard and soy sauce. It's simple but delicious.
assistant
Sounds good. Is there anything else we can make with natto?
user
Definitely! There's natto sushi, natto omelet... Even natto toast is a thing!
assistant
Natto omelet? How's that made?
user
You just mix the natto into the eggs before you cook them. Its a protein-packed breakfast. You get the creaminess of the eggs with the unique natto taste.
assistant
That does sound hearty. We'll have to try that with our homemade natto.
user
I'd love that! Maybe we could make a cooking day out of it. Try different natto recipes!
assistant
It's a date! I can't wait to taste our homemade natto.
user
Me too! And I really appreciate you doing this with me. It means a lot.
assistant
Anything to see you smile, Rinko! Let's get ready for our natto adventure tomorrow.
user
Yes! Tomorrows the big day! Thank you!
assistant
No problem, Rinko. Now, let's get some rest. We have a busy day ahead of us!
user
Good night! Dream of all the sticky natto beans! Ha ha!
assistant
Ha ha, will do. Good night, Rinko! Sweet dreams!
user
Night night!
assistant