Date-maki – [Sushi/Foodlore]

Description

 “Date-Maki” – 伊達巻き – AKA: “Tamago maki” (Omelette roll!)

• About this roll: a bit Sweeter than your average Tamago (omelette) nigiri; these dandy golden rolls are an absolute delight! Traditionally they’re served without fillings at new years (as part of new years meals; “Osechi-ryori” which are made with ingredients said to be symbolic of new years wishes.

Date-maki is made by combining fish cakes; often Kamaboko (a type of Fish paste) or another type of Surimi and then using yams as a base; the ingredients are mixed into a batter with the usual Egg-Omelette which is usually for Tamago, molded with a using a “Makisu” (sushi-rolling-mat) to roll it into the shape! They’re then baked to golden-brown perfection. The result is a thick egg-bread-like sheet which can be eaten as is, or rolled in place of the usual Nori (roasted seaweed.) – Delish!

More than likely “Date” (伊達) in Date-maki comes from old slang which referred to a type of thick kimono undersash called ‘Date-eri’ (伊達絵里) which was often worn by fashionistas who came to be called ‘Date-Mono!” – Simultaneously, in Folklore; its said that the “spiral shape” of maki supposedly symbolizes ‘wishes for wisdom’; Datemaki which is eaten as part of “Osechi-ryori” at new years and is often said to represent “the wish of academic success in the coming year.” this is because it’s shape is said to be reminiscent of ancient scrolls! – (see also: “Makimono.” – The legendary treasure scrolls of knowledge & wisdom held by the Shichifukujin!) – its often said that eating Datemaki will make you smarter! – (hmm, sounds useful for a goof like me!)

(For another new years roll; see also: Eho-maki) – (For a comedic folktale involving kitsune and tamago see: Tamago nigiri.)

You can also see these rolls depicted in Edo period prints!! –

[a design for a hand fan. – Hiroshige Utagawa, approx 1830.] – incidentally, the fancily cut bamboo leaves are an art form of their own as well! (it was a way for chefs to show off how good they are with their knives!) they also served as a wrap for picking up the sushi.)

[Art sticker and bite sized biography by samkalensky (yo thats me!) part of my foodlore/sushi collections!!]