Winter Tofu with Vegetables

This dish is brought bubbling hot to the table with a pot for dip to accompany the freshly cooked tofu and vegetables.

Ingredients

  • kombu seaweed (20 x 10cm/8 x 4in) - 1 sheet
  • Japanese silken tofu (each 10 x 8 x 3cm/4 x 3¼ x 1¼in) - 2 packets, about 600g/1lb 5oz
  • leeks - 2
  • shiitake mushroom - 4, stems removed and cross cut in top
  • spring onions - chopped, to garnish

For the dip

  • soy sauce - 200ml/7fl oz/scant 1 cup
  • mirin - generous 15ml/1 tbsp
  • bonito flakes - 100ml/3½ fl oz/generous / cup

Method

  • Half fill a large flameproof casserole or saucepan with cold water and soak the kombu seaweed in it for 30 minutes.
  • Cut the tofu into 4cm/1½ in cubes. Slice the leek diagonally into 2cm/¾ in thick slices.
  • To make the dip, bring the soy sauce and mirin to the boil, then add the bonito flakes.
  • Remove from the heat and leaves until all the flakes have sunk to the bottom of the pan, then strain the sauce and pour it into a small heatproof basin.
  • Stand the basin in the middle of the pan placing it on an upturned saucer, if necessary, so that it is well above the level of the water. This keeps the dip hot.
  • Bring the water to the boil. Add the mushroom and leeks, and cook over a moderate heat until softened - about 5 minutes.
  • Gently add the tofu. When the tofu starts floating, it is ready to eat. If the tofu won't fit in the pan, it can be added during the meal.
  • Bring the pan to the table and spoon the dip into four small bowls. Sprinkle the spring onions into the dip.
  • Diners help themselves to tofu and vegetable from the pan and eat them with the dip. the kombu seaweed is used only to flavor the dish, it is not eaten. Serves 4.

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