There is a hot pot dish called ‘Oden’ in Japan. The popular ingredients of ‘Oden’ include Fishcakes, Daikon, Konnyaku (Konjac) and Boild Eggs, but my favourite is Abura-age (Thin Fried Tofu) bags that have Mochi inside. These Abura-age bags can be cooked in any flavoured soup of your choice, but I included a soup that is similar to ‘Oden’ soup.

Makes

6 to 8 pieces

Ingredients

3 to 4 Abura-age (Thin Fried Tofu)
3 to 4 Mochi (Rice Cakes) *Find how to make ‘Easy Mochi’

Soup
1 cup Dashi Stock *1 cup Water and 1/2 teaspoon Dashi Powder
2 tablespoons Sake (Rice wine)
1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon Mirin *OR 1 teaspoon Sugar

Method
  1. Wrap Abura-age with paper towel and heat in microwave for 30 seconds. Then press it to remove excess oil if required.
  2. *Note: This process is optional, but the heat softens Abura-age and next process will be easier. If you don’t have the microwave, soak in hot water is alternative option. Dry with paper towel.
  3. Cut each Abura-age in half, carefully open and make bags. Place 1/2 piece Mochi in a bag and secure with a toothpick. *Note: Today I tied with Kanpyo.
  4. *Note: You don’t need to buy expensive Mochi. Make ‘Easy Mochi‘ using Glutinous Rice Flour.
  5. Repeat with remaining Abura-age and Mochi, and make 6 to 8 bags.
  6. Place all the soup ingredients in a saucepan and bring to the boil over medium heat.
  7. Once the soup starts boiling, gently place the Abura-age bags in the sauce, cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until Mochi is soft.
  8. *Note: You can cook these Aura-age bags in the soup of your choice, such as Miso Soup.