Nimono

Nimono

Nimono (煮物) is a traditional Japanese cooking method that involves simmering or boiling ingredients in a flavorful broth. The term "Nimono" is derived from the Japanese words "ni" (to simmer) and "mono" (things). This cooking technique is commonly used in Japanese cuisine to prepare a variety of dishes, including vegetables, fish, and meat.

Ingredients

The main ingredients used in Nimono dishes vary widely, but they often include root vegetables such as daikon radish, carrots, and potatoes, as well as seafood like fish and shellfish. Other common ingredients include tofu, konnyaku, and various types of mushrooms. The ingredients are typically cut into bite-sized pieces before being simmered.

Broth

The broth used in Nimono is typically made from dashi, a traditional Japanese soup stock made from kombu (kelp) and bonito flakes. The dashi is then seasoned with soy sauce, mirin, and sake to create a flavorful broth. The ingredients are simmered in this broth until they are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the broth.

Cooking Method

To prepare a Nimono dish, the ingredients are first peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces. They are then placed in a pot with the dashi broth and brought to a boil. Once boiling, the heat is reduced to a simmer and the ingredients are left to cook until they are tender. The cooking time can vary depending on the ingredients used, but it typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes.

Variations

There are many variations of Nimono dishes, each with their own unique combinations of ingredients and flavors. Some popular variations include Chikuzenni, a dish made with chicken and vegetables, and Furofuki Daikon, a dish made with daikon radish and miso sauce. Other variations include Nikujaga, a meat and potato stew, and Kabocha Nimono, a dish made with kabocha squash.

Serving

Nimono dishes are typically served in a small bowl as a side dish. They can be served hot or at room temperature, and are often accompanied by a bowl of rice and other side dishes. Nimono dishes are a common part of a traditional Japanese meal, and are also often included in bento boxes.

See Also

• Japanese Cuisine
• Dashi
• Bento
• Nikujaga
• Chikuzenni
• Furofuki Daikon
• Kabocha Nimono

References

• Nimono: A Simple, Delicious Way to Eat Vegetables. (n.d.). Just One Cookbook. Retrieved from https://www.justonecookbook.com/nimono-simmered-vegetables/
• Nimono (Simmered Dish). (n.d.). Japan Centre. Retrieved from https://www.japancentre.com/en/pages/59-nimono-simmered-dish
• Nimono: The Art of Simmering in Japanese Cuisine. (n.d.). Savvy Tokyo. Retrieved from https://savvytokyo.com/nimono-the-art-of-simmering-in-japanese-cuisine/