Omuraisu (Japanese Rice Omelette)

Omuraisu is a delicious example of yoshoku which is Japanese food that originates in western recipes but is adapted to the Japanese palate. A typical family style comfort food, omuraisu is served as a quick meal and is a great way to use up leftover rice.

Ingredients: (serves 2)

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 cup ham or cooked chicken, diced

1/2 cup carrot, finely chopped

butter

ketchup

brown sauce

4 large eggs

salt and pepper

Method:

-saute chopped onion in butter 'til transparent

-add chopped ham or chicken

-add chopped carrot

-saute for a few minutes

-add rice and heat thoroughly

-season with salt and pepper

-mound rice on plate in oval shape

-pour egg mixture in pan

-shape into an oval while cooking

-cook 'til slightly runny

-lay on top of rice

-drizzle with ketchup or brown sauce

-serve immediately

**Western style omelette is too flat and thin for this recipe. Omelette must be fluffy and still runny. Also, some cooks make a slit lengthwise in omelette so that the egg will run over the rice.