I made a hometown tax donation (furusato nozei) to Iga City in Mie Prefecture and received a donabe (traditional clay pot) as a return gift!
I recently made Bishu Nabe (美酒鍋), a famous hot pot dish from Hiroshima Prefecture, and here’s why you should try making it at home!
Recipe for Bishu Nabe
Ingredients (serves 4):
• 300g chicken thigh or pork (thinly sliced)
• 1 block of tofu (cubed)
• 1/4 cabbage (roughly chopped)
• 2 carrots (thinly sliced)
• 1 bunch of green onions (cut into 5cm pieces)
• 200ml Japanese sake (日本酒)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (醤油)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: mushrooms (shiitake or enoki)
Steps:
1. In a large pot, add sake and heat on medium. The sake acts as the base instead of water or broth, giving the dish its unique flavor.
2. Add the chicken or pork and cook until lightly browned.
3. Add tofu, vegetables, and mushrooms to the pot. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover with a lid and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender and infused with sake.
5. Serve hot with a bowl of steamed rice or enjoy it on its own!
Why You Should Try Bishu Nabe
1. Unique Flavor: The dish is cooked entirely with sake, giving it a rich and aromatic taste. The alcohol evaporates during cooking, leaving behind a mild sweetness and umami.
2. Healthy and Light: Unlike other hot pots, Bishu Nabe uses little oil and highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients.
3. Perfect for Winter: It’s a warm and comforting meal, ideal for colder seasons.
4. Cultural Experience: Bishu Nabe reflects Hiroshima’s local culture, where sake brewing is a proud tradition.
5. Easy to Customize: You can easily add your favorite vegetables or swap the protein to suit your taste.
Give Bishu Nabe a try to enjoy a taste of Hiroshima from the comfort of your home!
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