World Flavors Cookbook

Oden (Simmered Winter Stew)

A classic Japanese winter comfort dish — a variety of ingredients like daikon, eggs, and fish cakes simmered for hours in a light soy-flavored dashi broth.

Cuisine: Japan

Ingredients

• 1L dashi stock, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 large daikon, thick slices
• 4 hard-boiled eggs
• Assorted fish cakes (nerimono)
• 4 blocks konnyaku, 4 pieces ganmodoki (tofu fritters)
• Hot Japanese mustard (karashi) for serving

Instructions

1. Prep daikon by parboiling until translucent.
2. Prepare other ingredients: score konnyaku, rinse fish cakes in hot water to remove oil.
3. Bring dashi and seasonings to a boil, then reduce to a very low simmer.
4. Add daikon, eggs, and konnyaku first. Simmer for at least 1 hour.
5. Add fish cakes 15 minutes before serving.
6. Serve in deep bowls with a dab of karashi on the rim.