Make Your Own Delicious Natto At Home

Natto is a traditional Japanese food that has recently gained a lot of popularity in the Western world because of its numerous health benefits. It is made by fermenting soybeans with a bacterium called Bacillus subtilis var. natto, which gives the dish its unique texture and taste. While natto is readily available in the supermarkets today, many people prefer to make their own at home, as it allows them to customize the flavor and texture to their liking.

Making natto at home is very easy and requires only a few basic ingredients, making it a great project for beginners. Moreover, the process is relatively simple and does not require any specialized equipment. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of making natto at home, and provide you with some tips and tricks to ensure that your natto turns out delicious every time. So, let’s get started!

Section: Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Natto at Home

Gather Ingredients and Supplies

The first step in making natto at home is to gather all the necessary ingredients and supplies you will need. Here is a list of things that you will need:

• 2 cups of soybeans
• 6-8 tablespoons of natto starter culture (also known as natto-kin or spores)
• A large pot with a lid for soaking and boiling the soybeans
• A pressure cooker or rice cooker for fermenting the soybeans
• A thermometer for measuring the temperature of the soybeans
• A large mixing bowl
• A colander or strainer for draining the soybeans
• A clean cloth or cheesecloth for covering the soybeans during fermentation

Preparing the Soybeans

The next step is to prepare the soybeans for fermentation. Follow these steps:

1. Sort through the soybeans and remove any debris or discolored beans.
2. Rinse the soybeans thoroughly with water.
3. Soak the soybeans in water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
4. Drain the soaked soybeans and transfer them to a pot with enough water to cover the beans.
5. Boil the soybeans for 3-4 hours until they are soft and fully cooked.
6. Drain the soybeans and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

Adding the Natto Starter Culture

The next step is to add the natto starter culture to the cooked soybeans:

1. Dissolve the natto starter culture in a small amount of water.
2. Pour the dissolved starter culture over the cooked soybeans and mix thoroughly.
3. Cover the mixing bowl with a clean cloth or cheesecloth and let it sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours.

Fermenting the Soybeans

The next step is to ferment the soybeans:

1. Transfer the fermented soybeans to a pressure cooker or rice cooker.
2. Add a small amount of water (about 2 tablespoons) to the bottom of the cooker to create steam.
3. Close the lid and set the temperature to 100-110°F for 8-12 hours.
4. Check the temperature of the soybeans periodically with a thermometer to ensure that the temperature stays within the desired range.

Storing the Natto

The next step is to store the natto:

1. Once the natto is fully fermented, remove it from the pressure cooker or rice cooker and let it cool down.
2. Store the natto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
3. Before serving, mix the natto thoroughly and add your preferred toppings such as soy sauce, mustard, scallions, and grated ginger.

Tips for Making Perfect Natto

Here are some additional tips for making perfect natto:

• Use good quality soybeans to ensure that your natto has a good flavor and texture.
• Use a pressure cooker or rice cooker with a warm setting to ensure that the temperature stays within the desired range during fermentation.
• Keep the soybeans covered with a clean cloth or cheesecloth during fermentation to prevent contamination.
• Check the temperature of the soybeans periodically to ensure that it stays within the desired range.
• Add some sugar or brown rice syrup to the soybean mixture before fermentation to improve the flavor and texture of the natto.
• Experiment with different toppings and flavors to find your perfect natto recipe.

Conclusion

Making natto at home is easy and rewarding. With just a few simple ingredients and supplies, you can create your own delicious and nutritious natto. Follow these simple steps and tips for making perfect natto every time. Enjoy!

Section 2: The Ingredients and Equipment Needed to Make Natto

1. Soybeans

The most essential ingredient to make natto is soybeans. It is important to use high-quality, non-GMO soybeans to ensure that the final product will have a delicious taste and texture. Rinse the soybeans thoroughly before cooking.

2. Natto Spores

Natto spores are a type of bacteria that are responsible for the fermentation process. You can purchase natto spores online or at a Japanese grocery store. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure a perfect fermentation process.

3. Warm Water

Warm water is needed to soak the soybeans before cooking. The water should be around 120°F to activate the natto spores during the fermentation process.

4. Pressure Cooker

A pressure cooker is the best option for cooking the soybeans. It will take around 50 minutes to cook the soybeans in the pressure cooker. You can also cook the soybeans in a regular pot, but it will take longer and will require more water.

5. Thermometer

To ensure that the water is the right temperature for soaking the soybeans and activating the natto spores, you will need a thermometer. The temperature should be around 120°F.

6. Cheese Cloth

You will need a cheese cloth to wrap the fermented soybeans. It will help to keep the soybeans together and remove any excess moisture.

7. Plastic Container

You will need a plastic container with a lid to store the fermented soybeans in the refrigerator. Make sure the container is clean and airtight.

8. Mixing Bowl

You will need a mixing bowl to mix the cooked soybeans with the natto spores. Make sure that the mixing bowl is clean and dry before using it.

9. Measuring Cup/Spoon

Measuring cups and spoons are essential to ensure that you use the right amount of soybeans, water, and natto spores. It is important to be precise when measuring the ingredients to achieve the perfect fermentation process.

10. Oven or Dehydrator

After the fermentation process, you can dry the natto in an oven or dehydrator to remove any excess moisture. This will help to preserve the natto and make it last longer.

The Ingredients and Tools Needed for Making Natto

Making natto requires only a few ingredients and tools that are easy to find in most grocery stores and kitchens. Here are the essential things you will need:

Soybeans

The primary ingredient for making natto is soybeans. You will need about two cups of soybeans to make a decent amount of natto. It is easy to find dried soybeans in most grocery stores. Make sure you buy organic soybeans that are GMO-free.

Natto Spores

The most critical ingredient for making natto is the bacteria Bacillus subtilis natto, which is also referred to as natto spores. You will need to buy natto spores from a reputable source. You can find them online or in an Asian grocery store.

Water

You will need to soak the soybeans in water for about 10-12 hours, depending on the size of the beans. You will also need water to cook the soybeans.

A Pressure Cooker

A pressure cooker is a handy tool for making natto. It is used to cook the soybeans quickly. If you do not have a pressure cooker, you can use a regular pot, but it will take longer to cook the soybeans.

A Food Dehydrator

After you have cooked the soybeans and inoculated them with the natto spores, you will need to ferment them. A food dehydrator provides a stable and warm environment for the fermentation process to take place. If you do not have a food dehydrator, you can use an oven with a low-temperature setting.

To summarize, making natto requires only a few essential ingredients such as soybeans, natto spores, and water, and a couple of handy tools such as a pressure cooker and a food dehydrator or oven. Once you have all these ingredients and tools together, you are ready to start making your natto.

Savor Your Homemade Natto with a Smile

There you have it! Making natto may seem like a complicated process, but with the right ingredients and patience, you can have a delicious bowl of fermented soybeans right in your own home. Don’t forget to thank your soybeans for being good sports, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings to find your perfect match. We hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as we enjoyed writing it, and we invite you to come back and explore more exciting recipes with us later. Happy natto-making!