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Traditional Japanese Vegan Vegetable Soup | Kenchin Jiru

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Kenchin Jiru

Cultural Context

Kenchin Jiru originates from the Buddhist vegetarian cuisine of Japan, particularly associated with temple cooking. Traditionally enjoyed in winter, this hearty soup showcases seasonal vegetables and tofu, reflecting the simplicity and harmony of Buddhist culinary principles. Today, Kenchin Jiru is a comforting dish enjoyed in homes across Japan, often adapted with various vegetables depending on availability, making it a versatile staple in Japanese cuisine.

JapaneseJPmain
45 min
medium
4 servings
Servings4
3 tablespoons of sake
1/8 of a daikon radish
1/2 of a carrot
1/2 of a burdock root
2 shiitake mushrooms
1/2 block of tofu
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
3 cups of water
1 teaspoon of dashi powder
3 tablespoons of soy sauce
chopped scallion for garnish

tofu

๐Ÿฅ—Healthier: tempeh

๐Ÿ’ฐCheaper: silken tofu

Tempeh adds protein and is often less expensive.

shiitake mushrooms

๐Ÿฅ—Healthier: button mushrooms

๐Ÿ’ฐCheaper: canned mushrooms

Button mushrooms are widely available and more affordable.

burdock root

๐Ÿฅ—Healthier: parsnip

๐Ÿ’ฐCheaper: carrots

Parsnips provide a similar texture and are easier to find.

mirin

๐Ÿฅ—Healthier: rice vinegar

๐Ÿ’ฐCheaper: white sugar + water

Rice vinegar offers acidity without the sweetness of mirin.

1

Peel the daikon and carrot, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.

2

Scrape the skin of the burdock root and slice it thinly on the diagonal; soak the slices in water for 5 minutes to remove bitterness.

3

Slice the shiitake mushrooms and cut the tofu into small cubes.

4

Heat the sesame oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

5

Add the daikon, carrot, burdock root, shiitake mushrooms, and tofu; sautรฉ for 2-3 minutes until the ingredients are lightly coated in oil.

6

Pour in water, add dashi powder, sake, and soy sauce; bring the soup to a boil.

7

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

8

Gently add the tofu and let the soup simmer for another minute.

9

Serve in bowls and garnish with chopped scallion.

Cooking Techniques

slicingsimmeringsautรฉing

Equipment Needed

medium saucepanknifecutting board

Spice Level:

๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ

Dietary

vegan

Allergens

soy

Also Known As

Kenchin SoupKenchin Jiru
Local Name: ใ‘ใ‚“ใกใ‚“ๆฑ

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