Oden hot pot

oden_hot_pot

Oden is a beloved Japanese hot pot dish that’s perfect for chilly nights or gatherings with friends and family. A traditional Oden hot pot typically consists of a variety of ingredients simmered in a flavorful broth, creating a hearty and comforting meal that will warm you to your core.

The exact makeup of an Oden hot pot can differ depending on the region, but some common ingredients include boiled eggs, daikon radish, konjac jelly, fish cakes, and tofu. These ingredients are often cooked in a light but fragrant broth made from dashi, a Japanese soup stock, and soy sauce.

The popularity of Oden hot pot in Japan can be traced back centuries, with the dish evolving over time as new ingredients and flavor combinations were introduced. Today, it’s common to find Oden being sold at convenience stores, vending machines, and food stalls during the colder months.

Making your own Oden hot pot at home is surprisingly easy, thanks to the simple ingredients and versatile recipe. First, you’ll need to gather your preferred ingredients, which can be found at any Japanese grocery store or specialty foods shop.

Once you have your ingredients, it’s time to create the broth. For a classic Oden hot pot, combine dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a pot and bring it to a boil. The exact measurements can vary, depending on your taste preferences, but a good starting point is roughly one liter of dashi stock, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of mirin, and two tablespoons of sugar.

With the broth simmering, you can add in your chosen ingredients. For instance, halve boiled eggs and daikon radish, cut fish cakes into bite-sized pieces, and slice tofu and konjac jelly. Depending on what you’re using, you may need to blanch or boil the ingredients before adding them to the pot.

From there, all you need to do is let the ingredients simmer in the broth for about an hour or until they are fully cooked and infused with flavor. Garnish your Oden hot pot with chopped scallions, grated daikon radish, or any other toppings you like, and it’s ready to serve!

In addition to being tasty and easy to make, Oden hot pot is also a healthy meal option. Many of the ingredients used in the dish are low in fat and high in protein, making it a great option for those who are looking to eat healthier.

Overall, Oden hot pot is a versatile and comforting dish that’s well worth a try. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal on a chilly night or an easy weeknight dinner, it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul.

Ingredients:

  • 1 daikon (Japanese white radish), peeled and cut into thick rounds
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
  • 1 pack of konnyaku (konjac) noodles, cut into small pieces
  • 4 pieces of atsuage (deep-fried tofu), cut into quarters
  • 4 pieces of chikuwa (Japanese fish cake)
  • 1 pack of shirataki noodles
  • 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2-3 tablespoons sake
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 2 cups dashi broth (made from kelp and bonito flakes)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, combine the dashi broth, soy sauce, sake, sugar, and mirin. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer.
  2. Add the daikon and simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly softened.
  3. Add the eggs, konnyaku noodles, atsuage, and chikuwa to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
  4. Rinse the shirataki noodles with cold water and add them to the pot.
  5. Season the hot pot with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve the oden hot pot in individual bowls with some of the broth and a variety of the ingredients. Enjoy!