Traditional Japanese New Year’s Dish: O-zoni Recipe

As the New Year approaches, many Japanese households prepare O-zoni, a traditional soup enjoyed during the celebratory season.

O-zoni is not just a dish; it’s a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a detailed recipe for making this hearty and symbolic soup.

Ingredients: Note: Adjust quantities based on the number of servings you need.

1. Dashi (Japanese soup stock):
   • 4 cups water
   • 1 piece kombu (dried kelp), about 4 inches
   • 1 cup katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes)
2. O-zoni Broth:
   • 6 cups dashi (from above)
   • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
   • 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
   • Salt to taste
3. Rice Cake Preparation:
   • 1 pound mochi (glutinous rice cake), cut into bite-sized pieces
   • Water for boiling
4. Vegetables and Protein:
   • 1 cup sliced chicken or pork
   • 1 cup daikon (Japanese radish), peeled and sliced
   • 1 cup carrot, sliced
   • 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
   • 1 cup spinach, blanched
5. Garnishes:
   • Mitsuba (Japanese parsley) or green onions, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare Dashi: a. Wipe the kombu with a damp cloth, then place it in a pot with water. b. Allow the kombu to soak for 30 minutes, then heat the water over low heat until it almost boils. c. Just before boiling, remove the kombu and add katsuobushi. Simmer for 5 minutes and strain.
2. Make O-zoni Broth: a. In a clean pot, combine the dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and salt. b. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
3. Prepare Rice Cake: a. Boil water in a separate pot. b. Drop the mochi pieces into the boiling water until they float to the surface. Remove and set aside.
4. Cook Vegetables and Protein: a. In the O-zoni broth, cook chicken or pork until no longer pink. b. Add daikon, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms. Simmer until vegetables are tender. c. Add the blanched spinach and boiled rice cakes.
5. Serve: a. Ladle the hot O-zoni soup into bowls, ensuring a good balance of ingredients. b. Garnish with chopped mitsuba or green onions for a fresh flavor.

Conclusion:

O-zoni is a delicious and symbolic way to welcome the New Year in Japan. The combination of flavorful broth, chewy mochi, and wholesome ingredients makes it a cherished tradition. Try making O-zoni at home, and share in the joy of this time-honored dish with your loved ones. Wishing you a prosperous and happy New Year!