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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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
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.
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.
Carefully add the kabocha pieces to the saucepan, arranging them in a single layer with the skin side facing down as much as possible.
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.
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.
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.
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
Calories |
601 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.0 g | 3% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2763 mg | 120% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 140.8 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.7 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 69.5 g | ||
| Protein | 21.3 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 211 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 3328 mg | 71% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
