Miles from Home

Hello, everyone! As the winter chill lingers and the gloomy weather surrounds us, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a steaming bowl of comfort. During these colder months, it’s easy to find solace in snacks and comfort foods, often neglecting the essential nutrients our bodies crave. But fear not! I’ve found the perfect solution – a hot pot, or as the Japanese call it, “nabe.” It’s a delightful, nutritious, and utterly comforting way to indulge in veggies while keeping the winter blues at bay.

Winter tends to bring along cravings for warmth and comfort. The temptation to reach for snacks and indulgent foods is real. I can’t tell you how many cookies and brownies I’ve baked to cure my sudden cravings. However, it’s crucial to find a balance and incorporate nutrient-rich options into our diet.

Enter the world of nabe, a traditional Japanese hot pot that not only satisfies the taste buds but also nourishes the body. This communal dining experience brings friends and family together around a bubbling pot of goodness. More often than not, the big pot is transferred to the middle of the table where everyone takes a helping or two into a small bowl to eat from.

It is said that this style of communal eating of Nabe originated some time in the Edo period, however, Nabe like foods has been recorded to have been eaten since sometime between 500 to 710 AD.

One of the standout features of nabe is its versatility in incorporating a variety of vegetables. From hearty root vegetables to leafy greens, the hot pot becomes a canvas for a colorful and nutrient-packed meal. My sister happens to be pescatarian so our soup base is generally that of fish, and we often incorporate shrimp and other seafoods like frozen squid rings as protein in our dish.

The warmth of the broth, the tenderness of the veggies, and the richness of the flavors create a sensory experience that goes beyond mere sustenance. Nabe isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting ritual that warms both body and soul.

Beyond its delicious taste, nabe offers numerous health benefits. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from a diverse range of vegetables, it boosts your immune system and provides the energy needed to combat the winter blues.

As winter ceases to leave us chilly and sad, let’s embrace the warmth and nourishment that a comforting bowl of nabe brings. Say goodbye to the guilt of indulging in winter snacks and say hello to a healthier, veggie-induced winter experience. Join me in making nabe a cherished tradition that not only satisfies cravings but also nurtures our well-being during the colder months. Cheers to a winter filled with warmth, comfort, and a delightful abundance of veggies!

Soy-Milk Nabe Soup

Indulge in the velvety goodness of this soymilk-based savory soup, a delightful departure from the typical soy sauce or miso hot pot soups found in restaurants. It’s become one of my absolute favorites, offering a rich and creamy twist that elevates the dining experience.

For a truly satisfying meal, I recommend adding in silken tofu, thinly sliced pork (or thawed shrimp for the pescatarians among us), and crisp napa cabbage, accompanied by an array of other vegetables. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing you to tailor it to your taste and preferences.

As a bonus tip, when you find yourself with just the soul-soothing soup left, throw in some egg noodles for an impromptu ramen experience or add cooked rice while swirling in beaten eggs for a porridge-like delight. Make sure to transfer it back on the heat to cook them through!

Ingredients

This recipe should serve two.

• 500ml Water
• 500ml Unsweetened soy-milk (original is too sweet to use for soup)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 tsp Powdered dashi
• 1 tbsp Mirin
• 1 tbsp Sake
• 1 tbsp Miso paste

Directions

• Combine all the ingredients in a large pot.
• Heat at medium-high until it boils, stirring occasionally to seamlessly blend in the miso paste and prevent the soy-milk from burning.
• Once it reaches a boil, add your choice of veggies and other hot pot ingredients.
• Once everything is cooked to perfection, it’s time to savor this creation!