Chase Away the Demons Japanese Setsubun Brownies

Japanese Setsubun is February 3rd  “Demons out, good fortune in!” (Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi鬼は外福は内) The cry is heard in every corner of Japan.

Japanese children chase demons from the home on Setsubun. How? They chant “Demons out, good fortune in!” by throwing roasted soybeans at a parent wearing a red “oni” mask. The Setsubun mild peanut-tasting beans are then enjoyed. (Usually a child’s age plus one.)

Apparently Japanese Setsubun signals the start of Spring – a time when spirits can easily slip in from other worlds. Setsubun roasted soybeans throwing at the demon-masked parent is the traditional way to clear the home of bad spirits. In Osaka, there is a time-honored tradition of eating uncut sushi hand rolls in silence. To make the sushi magic work, participants must stand facing a lucky direction. The lucky direction changes every year (and is based on a 5-year cycle.) In case you want to try this Osaka foodie tradition in 2017; eat your uncut sushi facing north-north-west. (In 2018, face south-south-east.) 

To celebrate Japanese Setsubun in our childless (baby cats don’t count) home, I baked Chase Away the Demons Japanese Setsubun Brownies. The brownies may become an annual tradition. The chocolaty brownies put an angelic smile on my husband’s face!  The brownies sprinkled with crushed Setsubun soybeans had him returning for seconds and thirds. Always a good sign.

My recipe for Chase Away the Demons Japanese Setsubun Brownies is below. At this time of year, Setsubun roasted soybeans are readily available at Japanese markets in the U.S. However, you can always substitute peanuts and still produce a scrumptious Setsubun Brownie dessert.

If you prefer to enact the ritual of enjoying an uncut sushi hand roll, try my recipes for Vegan California Sushi Rolls and Bee-Bim-Bop Sushi Rolls.

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