Japanese cooking frequently features meats and vegetables simmered in dashi broth. To facilitate the simmering process, the Japanese use a simple device called an "otoshi-buta". The name literally means "drop lid".
You can think of the otoshi-buta as a snug sweater for your simmering foods. It is a circular lid that is placed on simmering food instead of over the pot. Using a lid in this way allows for less liquid to be used since the otoshi-buta helps to weigh down the ingredients. Since less liquid is used, less flavor will diffuse out of whatever you're simmering and into the broth. It also holds all the ingredients in place and prevents them from jostling and breaking apart due to the boiling broth. Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, the otoshi-buta aids in even heating by preventing heat from escaping the broth.
Traditional otoshi-buta are made of wood. They must be soaked in water before use to prevent the nimono broth from seeping into the wood and contaminating other dishes. After use, they must be thoroughly scrubbed and left to dry before reuse. Modern otoshi-buta now also come in a variety of materials such as stainless steel and silicone, each with their own unique characteristics.
You can also make an otoshi-buta out of aluminum foil or cooking paper and some clever folding. In certain situations, such as when making pumpkin nimono, a disposable otoshi-buta is actually more useful than a reusable one because it will not crush fragile ingredients. Disposable otoshi-buta can also be formed to fit any oddly shaped pots that you might have.
Use an otoshi-buta the next time you make nimono and you'll notice what a difference this simple device makes. It's hard to believe that such a simple implement can have such a drastic effect on the flavor of a dish until you use it. Since you can construct one out of simple materials, you really have no reason not to try it out. Your taste buds will thank you!
You can think of the otoshi-buta as a snug sweater for your simmering foods. It is a circular lid that is placed on simmering food instead of over the pot. Using a lid in this way allows for less liquid to be used since the otoshi-buta helps to weigh down the ingredients. Since less liquid is used, less flavor will diffuse out of whatever you're simmering and into the broth. It also holds all the ingredients in place and prevents them from jostling and breaking apart due to the boiling broth. Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, the otoshi-buta aids in even heating by preventing heat from escaping the broth.
Traditional otoshi-buta are made of wood. They must be soaked in water before use to prevent the nimono broth from seeping into the wood and contaminating other dishes. After use, they must be thoroughly scrubbed and left to dry before reuse. Modern otoshi-buta now also come in a variety of materials such as stainless steel and silicone, each with their own unique characteristics.
You can also make an otoshi-buta out of aluminum foil or cooking paper and some clever folding. In certain situations, such as when making pumpkin nimono, a disposable otoshi-buta is actually more useful than a reusable one because it will not crush fragile ingredients. Disposable otoshi-buta can also be formed to fit any oddly shaped pots that you might have.
Use an otoshi-buta the next time you make nimono and you'll notice what a difference this simple device makes. It's hard to believe that such a simple implement can have such a drastic effect on the flavor of a dish until you use it. Since you can construct one out of simple materials, you really have no reason not to try it out. Your taste buds will thank you!
About the Author:
There is a reason why Tokyo has more Michelin stars than Paris; the Japanese kitchen is a fascinating product of centuries of culinary heritage. If you want to learn more about Japanese and other Asian cooking supplies, recipes, and techniques, check out my blog about Japanese kitchens at fareastcoastkitchen.com.
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