Koya-tofu and Shiitake Stew Recipe

The name Koya-tofu is come from Mount Koya where tofu was frozen in the winter snows and thawed. It is famous for being part of the Buddhist monk's diet on Koya temple. the process of freezing and thawing produces if characteristic texture.

Ingredients

  • dried Koya-tofu - 2 piece
  • dried shiitake mushrooms - 8

For the soup

  • usukuchi soy sauce - 1 tbsp
  • bonito stock or instant dashi and kombu - 400ml/14fl oz
  • mirin - 2 tbsp
  • sake - 4½ tsp
  • salt - 1/3 tsp

Method

  • Soak the dried Koya-tofu in tepid water for 30 minutes and press out the water. Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in cold water for 20 minutes.
  • Place a small saucer on top to keep the mushrooms submerged, then drain it and remove the stems.
  • Boil the stock and add the seasoning ingredients for the soup, then add the Koya-tofu and cover with a piece of foil (smaller than the pan) on the surface of the liquid and simmer 5-6 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and add shiitake mushrooms and simmer for another 12-13 minutes. Leave the ingredients to cool in the soup.
  • Cut the Koya-tofu into pieces and arrange in a shallow bowl with the shiitake mushrooms. Serve warm or cold but not chilled. Serves 4.

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