New Year's Resolutions: Eating Natto

[slimbombay]

I was wondering if any experts out there could provide some assistance on the challenging aspect of eating natto for the first time. They say you have to grow up eating the stuff to get the hang of it -- somewhat like eating Marmite, which I adore -- so that's a definite mark against me. But I am determined in my mission to absorb this incredibly nutritious foodstuff into my lifestyle, and would appreciate any suggestions or moral support.

[smokeandapancake]

hold your nose when you swallow.

[Sarah Perry]

Based on my experience: buy the most expensive natto you can find. There's a BIG difference between the one that's, say, $3.00 a package and the one that's $2.00 a package.

Mix it up well. Have it over rice with some furikake/seaweed/sesame/etc. sprinkles, and/or soy, mustard, or another condiment. Or make a hand roll with rice wrapped in nori.

Oh -and apparently it's not cheating to pour off some of the slime.

Chow Digest with some tips on natto - http://www.chow.com/digest/2008/03/neba-neba-natto/

Here's something cool about people determined to acquire the taste for natto: http://thenattoproject.com/

[ricepad]

Another reason to buy the most expensive: You'll feel guiltier throwing it out, so you're more likely to eat it.

[BigSal]

I grew up eating natto, so I have never found eating it challenging. My mother always made it with raw egg, splash of soy, chopped green onions and sometimes karashi (mustard). This creates a pretty gooey mixture (as if the natto alone was not sticky enough) served on top of bowl of hot rice. This is my definition of comfort food. Yum! Natto is not very expensive, so you can try out several different brands to determine which ones suit your palate (you'll find that some beans are larger than others, some are prechopped- I like the whole beans).Here are a couple previous CH threads that might give you some other ideas on how to eat it. (omelette, fried rice, with ika sashimi, with okra, etc) http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/298032 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/495899 Gambatte Kudasai!

[joonjoon]

Natto with Okra! Can you say 'slime'?

[BigSal]

I've seen a recipe on Yukari's blog that includes natto and okra. I haven't tried it yet. What do you think of the combination?

[joonjoon]

Well i guess it sounds....slimy, but hey, maybe it'll be wonderful together! Give it a try and report back for us :)

[joonjoon]

I had natto for the first time ever a couple years ago and really didn't find it that challenging. It definitely looks worse than it tastes. I think it's kinda tasty actually.

[flylice2x]

Make some Nattochos
Get some Crispy won ton chips. top it with spicy Ahi and Onion pok'e.
Sprinkle the Natto over it along with diced avacado, Yama-imo, green onions,
dikon sprouts, thinly cut up nori and toasted seasame seeds.
Eat it with your favorite beverage