Azuki Gayu (あずき粥), red bean porridge, is a delightful blend of simmered Azuki beans and rice. Unlike ordinary white porridge, it takes on a red hue, and this color has been recognized for its mystical power. It has been used to ward off disasters during house moving or embarking on a journey. Moreover, it holds a special place as a culinary treasure for festive occasions, shrine festivals, and annual events, with a prominent role during Little New Year (January 15th).
This simple salad is made with fuyu persimmon and small radish which are both in season during fall through winter. Known as the national fruit of Japan, persimmons have been loved by the people of Japan for over a thousand years. Persimmons are naturally sweet, and they can be eaten firm or soft after being ripened. For this salad, it’s best to use persimmons that are ripe but still firm.
This potato gratin is made with a delicious creamy Tofu sauce. Typically, gratins feature Béchamel white sauce, but in this recipe, the sauce primarily consists of pureed silken tofu. It offers a healthier alternative with fewer calories while being rich in protein and various nutrients inherent in Tofu. A modest amount of butter and milk, combined with cheese of course, effectively mask the soy flavor of Tofu. Whether scaled up for a crowd in a large baking dish or prepared in a single-serving dish, this versatile dish caters to everyone. Serving it piping hot from the oven is ideal for chilly days. Hope you like it!
Fried Chicken is foreign but an immensely popular food in Japan, and it owes that to the American fast-food giant, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). Fried chicken is different from the Japanese version Karaage for its thick and crispy outer layer. Fried chicken becomes highly in demand in Japan as the Christmas season approaches, leading to long queues forming at restaurants. This unique phenomenon is deeply rooted in the cultural aspects of Christmas celebrations in Japan.
Natto (納豆) is a traditional Japanese food that is made from fermented soy beans. It is packed with nutrients such as vitamins, proteins, and minerals. While there are so many health benefits, Natto is probably among the least favored Japanese foods by non-Japanese people. The texture is slimy, and there is a distinct smell that you may not used to. However, with the right seasonings and flavorful toppings, it becomes so much easier to eat even if you are not familiar with the flavor.
Natto Pasta is a simple dish that is made with spaghetti and Natto. Sticky and slimy texture of the Natto seasoned with soy sauce and olive oil becomes like a thick sauce. Poached egg adds the creaminess, and flavorful toppings such as chopped green onions, shiso leaves, and nori seaweed adds the freshness and texture to the dish. If you can find a package of Natto at a Japanese market in your area, don’t hesitate to get it and try this Natto pasta!
Today’s miso soup is made with frozen seafood mix. Frozen seafood mix are widely available at supermarkets, and they typically include frozen shrimp, squid, and scallop. They are handy to keep in the freezer as we can add to various soup and stir-fried dishes. In this recipe, we also added onion and napa cabbage, but you can use any vegetables you have at home. Hearty and flavorful soup is ready in 15 minutes!
Christmas Cake is a round layered cake, usually a sponge cake, filled with fruits, and frosted with whipped cream. The fluffy sweet cake is loved by all generations in Japan, and it has become an annual custom for the last several decades. Christmas cakes are seen everywhere in Japan during the season, such as at cake shops, supermarkets, and convenience stores. It plays a significant role in Japanese cuisine today, even though it’s not a traditional Japanese sweet.
Rice Bowl with Egg and Silky Sauce (Tamago Ankake, 卵あんかけ丼）is a dish where a thickened, savory starchy sauce with egg is poured over rice. This mildly flavored, simple rice bowl dish is perfect for any time of day, but especially convenient during crunch time. It takes no more than 15 minutes from start to finish. If you prefer a hot meal for breakfast even when busy, instead of cold cereal, the Rice Bowl with Egg and Silky Sauce is an excellent choice. Also, the smooth sauce and rice are gentle on the stomach, making it suitable even when under the weather. It’s incredibly easy to make and wonderfully warm and delicious. I hope you give it a try!
Today’s miso soup features Satoimo, Japanese taro, and chicken. Soft and fluffy, or sometimes sticky, taro is a satisfyingly filling ingredient for miso soup. You may find it a little troublesome to peel taro since it may cause your skin to itch sometimes. Feel free to use gloves if you prefer. Along with the taro, we’ve added chicken thigh pieces; they complement each other very well. However, you can substitute chicken breast or chicken tender if you prefer a healthier option. While chicken thigh adds a rich flavor to the soup, lean chicken will also contribute pleasant umami. If you come across taro, give this miso soup a try. You’re sure to enjoy it!