How to Make Authentic Nagoya Ozoni
Video Stats
Recipe Overview
Overview
Nagoya Ozoni is a delightful and traditional Japanese New Year’s soup that showcases the simplicity and purity of its ingredients. The recipe begins with frying boneless chicken thighs until golden, which adds a rich flavor to the dish. As the chicken cooks, the preparation of the soup begins with a base of dashi, a flavorful broth that is essential to Japanese cuisine. The addition of mochi, or rice cakes, is a significant aspect of this dish, as they symbolize good fortune and are traditionally enjoyed during the New Year celebrations.
The recipe also incorporates Japanese mustard spinach, known as komatsuna, which adds a vibrant color and a fresh taste to the soup. The blanching technique used for the spinach not only enhances its flavor but also preserves its bright green color, making the dish visually appealing. The final touch comes from a sprinkle of bonito flakes, which adds a delicate umami flavor, rounding out the dish beautifully.
This Nagoya-style Ozoni is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of culture and tradition. It’s a comforting soup that warms the soul, making it perfect for family gatherings during the New Year. The balance of flavors and textures in this dish is a testament to the beauty of Japanese cooking, where simplicity meets depth. Whether you’re familiar with Japanese cuisine or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress and bring a sense of joy to your table.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Heat a pan and add 1 teaspoon of cooking oil.
Add 100g of boneless chicken thigh and season with a pinch of salt.
Fry the chicken until cooked through and golden on the outside.
Start boiling a pot of water.
Cut 100g of Japanese Master spinach into thirds.
Drop the spinach into boiling water and blanch for 30 seconds.
Transfer the blanched spinach to a bowl of ice water.
Tip: Blanching vegetables in ice water improves their flavor, texture, and color.
Pour 400ml of Dashi into a pot.
Add half a teaspoon of mirin to the Dashi.
Add cut rice cake (Mochi) to the Dashi before it boils.
Tip: Use homemade Dashi or high-quality Dashi packets for better flavor.
Add two teaspoons of soy sauce and the fried chicken to the pot.
Add any chicken juices from the pan for deeper flavor.
Simmer the mixture for about 1 minute to warm the chicken through.
Place the Mochi in a bowl and add about three pieces of chicken per portion.
Add kamaboko, another typical New Year's food.
Add a small bunch of blanched spinach to the bowl.
Pour the soup over the ingredients in the bowl.
Garnish with Bonito flakes.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Fish
→ Substitution: Vegetable Broth
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Soy Sauce
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Ozoni is traditionally eaten during the Japanese New Year to symbolize good fortune.
- •The soup's flavor relies heavily on high-quality dashi, which can be homemade or store-bought.
- •Blanching vegetables in ice water helps preserve their color and texture.
- •Mochi is a key ingredient in Ozoni, representing happiness and prosperity.
