Kenchin Jiru Hearty Vegetable Soup
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave something warm and comforting on a chilly night? This kenchin jiru recipe is just the ticket! It's a classic Vegetarian Japanese Soup Dish , and honestly, it's like a hug in a bowl, packed with savory umami flavors.
Brief Overview
This Traditional Japanese Soup With Vegetables originates from a Zen temple, displaying simplicity and wholesome ingredients. It is an easy recipe that takes about 50 minutes.
This recipe yields 4-6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Main Benefits
This Vegan Dashi Soup offers a great boost of vitamins and minerals from the root vegetables. Serve this Japanese Tofu Soup In Bowl on a cold evening, or as part of a complete Japanese meal.
What makes this Traditional Japanese Soup With Tofu special is the combination of earthy vegetables and savory dashi broth. It’s pure comfort food.
So, what exactly is Kenchin Jiru, this Japanese Vegetable Soup ? Well, let me tell you, it's more than just soup. Think of it as a Japanese hug in a bowl!
The secret to a truly great Kenchin Jiru Recipe lies in the dashi. Don't skip it! It's what gives the soup its incredible Umami Rich Soup . Trust me on this one.
We're talking hearty Root Vegetable Soup goodness that’s both good for the soul and surprisingly simple to make. Ready for some Comfort Food Soup ? Let’s dive in!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this amazing Kenchin Jiru . It's simpler than you think! Think of it as a Vegetarian Japanese Soup Dish that anyone can whip up.
Let's Gather Our Goodies: Ingredients & Equipment
It is a Traditional Japanese Soup With Vegetables that is going to impress your friends!
Main Ingredients for our Japanese Vegetable Soup
For the Dashi:
- Water: 4 cups (950ml) . Good old H2O.
- Kombu (dried kelp): 4 inch (10 cm) piece. Get good quality. It makes a difference!.
- Dried Shiitake Mushrooms: 1/2 cup (15g) . Don't toss those stems! Save them for other soups.
For the Soup (The Good Stuff):
- Sesame Oil: 1 Tbsp . Adds a nutty depth.
- Firm or Medium Firm Tofu: 1/2 block (150g) , drained and crumbled. About 1 cup. I like to press mine for extra firmness.
- Carrot: 1 small , peeled and cut into matchsticks (about 1/2 cup).
- Daikon Radish: 1/2 , peeled and cut into matchsticks (about 1/2 cup).
- Burdock Root (Gobo): 1/2 cup , scrubbed and thinly sliced. This one's a bit earthy.
- Rehydrated Shiitake Mushrooms: 1/4 cup (30g) , sliced. From the dashi, remember?
- Konnyaku (Yam Cake): 1/4 package (about 50g) , cut into matchsticks. Adds a fun texture.
- Dashi: 2 cups (475ml) . Liquid gold, right there.
- Soy Sauce: 2 Tbsp . Use good stuff.
- Sake: 1 Tbsp (optional) . For a little something extra.
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (or to taste).
Seasoning Notes for that Umami Rich Soup
This is where the magic happens, friends.
- Soy sauce is key. It brings the umami that makes this Comfort Food Soup sing.
- Sake adds a subtle sweetness. Don't sweat it if you don't have any.
- Don't be shy with the salt. Season to your taste.
- Essential Spice combinations do not exist.
- Essential Flavor enhancers and aromatics do not exist.
- Quick Substitution options for Soy sauce include fish sauce or Worcestershire sauce if you are not vegan.
Equipment Needed for our Japanese Tofu Soup In Bowl
Honestly, you don't need much to create this Traditional Japanese Soup With Tofu .
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This is your workhorse.
- Cutting Board: For all that chopping.
- Sharp Knife: Safety first, folks!
- Fine Mesh Sieve (optional): If you want a super clear dashi.
- Common household alternatives. A stock pot and a vegetable peeler.
Cooking Method: Mastering Kenchin Jiru at Home
Okay, so you want to make kenchin jiru ? Awesome! It's honestly one of my fave comfort food soups , especially when it's chilly outside.
This Traditional Japanese Soup With Vegetables is surprisingly simple. Plus, it's a total flavor bomb. Let's dive into how to get this Umami Rich Soup on your table.
Prep Like a Pro: Kenchin Jiru's Mise en Place
First things first, mise en place , or "everything in its place." For this Japanese Vegetable Soup , chop all your veggies before you even turn on the stove.
Honestly, it makes life so much easier. Get your carrots, daikon, burdock root, and shiitake mushrooms prepped. And don't forget the tofu! Having everything ready to go saves time and keeps you sane in the kitchen.
Kenchin Jiru: step-by-step Simplicity
- Dashi Magic: Soak kombu and dried shiitake in 4 cups water for at least 30 minutes . This is the secret to the Vegan Dashi Soup . Remove kombu, then simmer shiitake for 10 minutes . Strain, keeping the mushrooms.
- Veggie Prep: Chop everything into matchsticks. It's all about the aesthetics, you know? Think of it as edible art!
- Tofu Time: Sauté crumbled tofu in 1 Tbsp sesame oil until golden. Crispy tofu is a game changer.
- Veggie Sauté: Add carrots, daikon, burdock root, shiitake, and konnyaku to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes .
- Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the dashi. Add 2 Tbsp soy sauce , 1 Tbsp sake (optional), and 1/2 tsp salt .
- Simmer Away: Reduce heat and simmer for 15- 20 minutes , until the veggies are tender.
- Tofu Reunion: Return the tofu to the pot. Heat it through.
- Serve & Garnish: Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions. Enjoy this Japanese Tofu Soup In Bowl .
Kenchin Jiru: Pro Tips & Tricks
Want to take your Kenchin Jiru Recipe to the next level? Sautéing the tofu separately is key for that crispy texture.
Trust me on this one! Burdock root can be a pain. Scrub it well and soak it in water to prevent discoloration.
Oh, and don't skip the dashi! It's the soul of this Traditional Japanese Soup With Tofu . If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
For a spicy kick! This hearty Root Vegetable Soup is bound to become a regular in your household.
Alright, let's dive into some extra bits for our Vegetarian Japanese Soup Dish , Kenchin Jiru . Honestly, it's all about those little touches, you know?
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Kenchin Jiru Recipe !
These aren't just suggestions, they're game changers ! You will love it.
Plating & Presentation: Make It Look Fancy (Even If It's Not!)
Okay, so this is a Root Vegetable Soup , but presentation matters, right? I like to use a nice, deep Japanese tofu soup in bowl .
Ladle that good stuff in and sprinkle some finely chopped green onions on top. If you're feeling extra, a drizzle of sesame oil adds a lovely sheen.
Serve immediately! Because who wants cold soup?
Don't be afraid to garnish. It brings the bowl to life.
Sidekicks & Sips: What To Pair With This Umami Rich Soup
Steamed rice is a must have, honestly. It soaks up all that delicious broth. Some tsukemono (Japanese pickles) are good to go.
And a cup of hot green tea ? Chef's kiss. Simple, but perfect.
You can try a piece of toasted bread too.
Storage Savvy: Keeping That Comfort Food Soup Fresh
Refrigeration : Leftover Traditional Japanese Soup With Vegetables keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days . Just make sure it's in an airtight container.
Freezing : I wouldn’t recommend freezing the Japanese Vegetable Soup because the tofu texture can change, but if you must, it's better without the tofu.
Freeze for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge.
Reheating : Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. Or, if you're impatient like me, zap it in the microwave.
Be careful with the temperature , though. Nobody likes volcanic soup explosions.
Remixing the Recipe: Variations & Swaps
Dietary Tweaks :
- Vegan Dashi Soup : Make sure that your sake is vegan friendly, and that you are not using any bonito based ingredients
- gluten-free : Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Easy peasy.
Seasonal Swaps : This Traditional Japanese Soup With Tofu is super flexible. In autumn, try adding some butternut squash or sweet potato .
In spring, fresh bamboo shoots would be amazing. Just go with what's fresh and in season!
Nutrition Nuggets: The Goodness Inside
Each serving is packed with 150-200 calories . It contains about 8-10g of protein , perfect for a light meal. Plus, all those veggies mean you're getting a good dose of fiber.
You are helping your body!
So there you have it. Everything to make a fantastic Kenchin Jiru! Go on, give it a go. You got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is kenchin jiru, and what makes it so special?
Kenchin Jiru is a traditional Japanese vegetable soup, kind of like the Japanese version of a hearty minestrone. It's known for its rich umami flavor coming from the dashi broth and the combination of root vegetables and tofu. Think of it as a bowl of pure comfort, perfect for chasing away those winter blues.
It's especially popular in Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, which is why it’s packed with veggies!
Can I make kenchin jiru ahead of time, like meal prepping for the week?
Absolutely! In fact, kenchin jiru often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Just gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving, and you've got a healthy and delicious meal ready to go, faster than you can say "Wagamama's"!
I can't find burdock root (gobo) anywhere! Is there a good substitute for making kenchin jiru?
No worries, mate! Burdock root can be a bit tricky to find depending on where you live. A great substitute is parsnip it has a similar earthy flavor and texture. You could also try using more carrot or even some celeriac (celery root) for a slightly different, but still delicious, result.
Is kenchin jiru healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
You bet it is! Kenchin jiru is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from all those lovely vegetables. It’s also a good source of protein, especially if you use tofu. Plus, it's relatively low in calories and fat, making it a guilt free way to warm up on a chilly day. It's basically a health hug in a bowl!
How can I adapt this kenchin jiru recipe for different dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free)?
Making it vegan is super easy just ensure your sake is vegan friendly and that you're not using any bonito flakes (katsuobushi) in your dashi. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari. You can also get creative and add other vegetables like sweet potato or pumpkin.
My kenchin jiru tastes a little bland. Any tips on how to amp up the flavour?
Don't fret! First, make sure your dashi is strong and flavorful. If it still needs a boost, try adding a dash of sesame oil at the end for richness or a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. A splash of mirin (sweet rice wine) can also add a touch of sweetness and depth.
Kenchin Jiru Hearty Vegetable Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150-200 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 7-9g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
