22 September 2023
Warm Comfort of Chawanmushi
Chawanmushi is a quintessential Japanese delicacy that serves as a delicate appetizer rather than your typical dessert custard. Crafted primarily from eggs and steamed to perfection, this savory egg custard dish envelops the palate with its warmth and heartening flavors. Its texture is both soft and comforting, and it is subtly flavored with a variety of ingredients that often reflect the season in which they are made.
As the vibrant colors of autumn paint the landscape, the culinary world eagerly embraces seasonal ingredients that echo the coziness and earthiness of this mesmerizing season. Chawanmushi is no exception. When paired with autumnal delicacies such as shiitake mushrooms and ginkgo nuts, you will have a feast that will warm not only your stomach but also your heart.
Discover how to infuse an autumnal touch into your Chawanmushi, and experience the soothing comfort of this delicate Japanese delight.
Contents
- Preparation of Ingredients
- Preparing the Egg Mixture
- Beauty of Chinese-Style Paintings
- Straining for Smoothness
- Layering
- Steaming
- Autumn Delicate Delight
Preparation of Ingredients
For 4 servings
2 eggs
"Dashi" Japanese soup stock: 3 times the volume of the eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
20g/0.7oz prawns
thin slices of shiitake mushrooms
sprigs of Mitsuba leaves
blanched ginkgo nuts
slices of maple leaf-shaped Nama-fu if available *Nama-fu: raw wheat gluten
Shiitake mushrooms, an iconic autumn ingredient, possess an earthy, smoky aroma that beautifully complements the natural creaminess of Chawanmushi, elevating its taste profile. Not only are they a delight for the palate, but shiitake mushrooms are also a nutrient powerhouse, renowned for their ability to boost the immune system, making them ideal for the transition into a new season.
In addition to shiitake, this recipe introduces ginkgo nuts, a cherished autumn ingredient. Ginkgo nuts are derived from the seeds of the maidenhair tree, which turns golden in fall, and have been revered both for their beauty and medicinal properties. Combined with shiitake, ginkgo nuts bring an additional layer of seasonal depth to the dish.
To prepare the shiitake mushrooms, start by gently cleaning with a damp cloth, then remove the stems and slice thinly, ensuring the pieces are bite-sized.
Preparing the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, beat the eggs gently, ensuring not to create bubbles. Bubbles can affect the texture of your final Chawanmushi, making it less smooth. To the eggs, add the dashi and salt. Stir to combine.
Straining for Smoothness
To ensure a silky texture, strain the egg mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. This step may seem slightly time-consuming, but it is crucial to achieve the characteristic smoothness of Chawanmushi.
Layering
Place prepared ingredients in equal portions in a Chawanmushi bowl. It may seem that the more ingredients you put in the Chawanmushi bowl, the tastier it will be. However, since some ingredients exude moisture that may result in undercooked Chawanmushi, it is recommended to limit the amount of ingredients to about 1/5 of the egg mixture. After adding the ingredients, pour in the strained egg mixture up to 3/4 of the bowl.
Steaming
To steam Chawanmushi, start by boiling some water. Once it's boiling, place your lidded Chawanmushi bowl into the pot. Pour the boiling water around the bowl, filling the pot until the water reaches about halfway up the side of the bowl. Then, close the pot's lid to seal in the steam.
Cook your Chawanmushi on medium heat for the first 2 minutes. After that, lower the heat and continue steaming for another 8 minutes. Finally, turn off the heat but keep the pot's lid closed, letting the Chawanmushi sit for an additional 8 minutes to finish cooking in the residual heat.
Once steamed, either poke the egg custard with a bamboo skewer or tilt it to check the liquid. If the liquid that comes out is clear, it is sufficiently cooked. Enjoy your hot bowl of Chawanmushi!
Autumn Delicate Delight
As the cold autumn winds blow, nothing offers comfort quite like Chawanmushi, warming you to your core. Enhanced with the rich flavors of shiitake mushrooms and ginkgo nuts, the dish's umami unfolds in your mouth as you delicately scoop it up with a lacquerware spoon. Savor unique seasonal flavors and make this comforting dish a staple on your autumn table.
View Chawanmushi Bowls Collection
