Pumpkin the Japanese Way
Experience the delicate simplicity of Japanese home cooking with "Pumpkin the Japanese Way," a comforting dish that showcases the rich, nutty flavor of kabocha squash. Simmered in a savory-sweet broth of dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and a hint of sugar, this recipe highlights the quintessential balance of flavors found in Japanese cuisine. The kabocha's tender texture perfectly absorbs the umami-packed liquid, while its vibrant skin adds a pop of color and a pleasant bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and wholesome dish is perfect as a side, appetizer, or even a light meal. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
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Ingredients
- 1 small (about 2 pounds) Kabocha squash (Japanese pumpkin)
- 2 cups Dashi stock
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 0.25 teaspoons Salt
Directions
Step 1
Wash the kabocha squash thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut the kabocha in half and scoop out the seeds and fibrous strands with a spoon. Slice the squash into roughly 2-inch bite-sized pieces, leaving the green skin on for color and texture.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan, combine the dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and salt. Stir to dissolve the sugar and set over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
Step 3
Carefully add the kabocha pieces to the saucepan, arranging them in a single layer with the skin side facing down as much as possible.
Step 4
Cover the pan with a drop lid (or improvise by using a piece of aluminum foil cut to slightly smaller than the diameter of the pan). This helps ensure even cooking and keeps the kabocha moist.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and let the kabocha simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until it becomes tender when pierced with a fork. Be careful not to overcook, as the kabocha should hold its shape.
Step 6
Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the kabocha sit in the cooking liquid for a few minutes to absorb more flavors.
Step 7
Serve the kabocha warm or at room temperature. Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle some of the simmering liquid over the top for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1463.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 601.1 |
| Total Fat 2.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2763.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 140.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 14.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 69.5g | |
| Protein 21.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 211.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3328.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories