Oden: a comforting one-pot stew for cold days

Introduction

Oden is a traditional Japanese one-pot stew that is perfect for warming up on cold days. This hearty dish is a favorite during the winter months and is known for its comforting and soothing qualities. Oden is a versatile and customizable dish that can include a variety of ingredients like fish cakes, daikon radish, boiled eggs, and more. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious stew at home to enjoy on chilly evenings.

Ingredients

– 6 cups of dashi (Japanese soup stock)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp mirin (sweet rice wine)
– 1 tbsp sugar
– 1 daikon radish, peeled and cut into thick rounds
– 4 hard-boiled eggs
– 4 Japanese fish cakes (kamaboko)
– 1 pack of konnyaku (konjac) noodles, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 4 boiled potatoes, peeled and halved
– 1/2 Napa cabbage, chopped
– Optional: tofu, shirataki noodles, mushrooms

Directions

1. In a large pot, combine the dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the daikon radish rounds to the pot and simmer for about 15 minutes until slightly tender.
3. Add the hard-boiled eggs, fish cakes, konjac noodles, boiled potatoes, and any other desired ingredients to the pot.
4. Let the stew simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Finally, add the chopped Napa cabbage to the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
6. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed with more soy sauce or mirin.
7. Serve the oden hot in bowls, making sure to include a good amount of the flavorful broth with each serving.
8. Enjoy your comforting bowl of oden on a cold day and feel the warmth spread through your body with each delicious bite.

FAQ About Oden

What is Oden?

Oden is a traditional Japanese one-pot stew, popular during cold days, composed of various ingredients like fishcakes, daikon radish, boiled eggs, and tofu simmered in a flavorful soy-flavored broth.

How is Oden Served?

Oden is typically served hot in a communal pot, allowing diners to pick and choose their favorite ingredients. It is often accompanied by mustard or a light soy-based dipping sauce for added flavor.

What Makes Oden Comforting?

Oden’s comforting nature stems from its warm, hearty broth that seeps into the ingredients during the slow simmering process, creating a satisfying and cozy meal perfect for warming up on chilly days.