Chikuzeni: A Special Japanese New Year’s Dish

Le Stanze Bistrot Cafe – New Year’s celebrations in Japan are synonymous with various traditional dishes that symbolize luck and happiness. One of the most iconic dishes enjoyed during this time is Chikuzeni. This dish consists of chicken and assorted vegetables cooked in a flavorful Japanese-style seasoning, resulting in a delicious sweet and savory taste. Le Stanze Bistrot Cafe presents this authentic recipe so you can enjoy it at home with your family.

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken	100 g
Large carrots	2 pieces
Lotus root	1/2 piece
Dried shiitake mushrooms	5 pieces
Konnyaku	1 piece
Snow peas	10 pieces

Seasonings

Seasoning	Quantity
Shiitake soaking water	200 ml
Water	400 ml
Sesame oil	2 tbsp
Sake	3 tbsp
Mirin	3 tbsp
Shoyu (soy sauce)	2 tbsp
Sugar	2 tbsp

Instructions Of Making Chikuzeni

⏳ Cooking Time: 1 Hour

1. Preparing the Vegetables and Other Ingredients
   Peel the carrots and lotus root, then cut them as desired. For a more appealing presentation, shape the carrots into flowers.
2. Preparing the Snow Peas and Shiitake Mushrooms
   Remove the strings from the snow peas, then blanch them briefly until tender. Drain and set aside. Soak the shiitake mushrooms in water until soft, then remove the stems. Keep the soaking water for later use.
3. Processing the Konnyaku
   Slice the konnyaku thinly, make a small slit in the middle, then tuck one end through the slit to create a twisted shape. Boil briefly, drain, and set aside.
4. Sautéing the Chicken and Preparing the Dish
   Cut the chicken into small pieces, then sauté with sesame oil until the color changes. Add all ingredients to a pot except for the snow peas. Pour in water, broth, sake, mirin, sugar, and shoyu.
5. Cooking Until Tender
   Cover the pot with aluminum foil or a lid with holes to allow steam to escape. Cook over medium heat until all vegetables are tender and the broth has reduced.
6. Enhancing the Flavor
   Add the pre-boiled snow peas, mix well, and taste the dish. Chikuzeni has a characteristic sweet and savory flavor.
7. Serving
   Remove from heat and serve Chikuzeni warm as a side dish alongside other delicacies.

Chikuzeni is more than just a delicious dish; it represents togetherness and prosperity during the New Year. Le Stanze Bistrot Cafe brings you this recipe so you can experience the warmth of Japanese tradition at home. Serve with steamed rice for a perfect culinary experience. Enjoy and happy cooking!

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