Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 small pumpkin, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup white sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Water for boiling
- Ice water for cooling
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or mortar and pestle
- Pot for boiling water
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a pot of boiling water, cook the pumpkin pieces until they are tender but not mushy, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Drain the pumpkin and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the pumpkin and set aside.
3. In a food processor or mortar and pestle, grind the sesame seeds until they are finely ground.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the ground sesame seeds, sugar, soy sauce, mirin, sake, and salt until well combined.
5. In a large bowl, add the cooled pumpkin and pour the sesame sauce over it. Toss the pumpkin until it is well coated with the sauce.
6. Serve the pumpkin goma-ae immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 5-7 minutes
Temperature:
- Boiling water for cooking the pumpkin
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 120
- Total fat: 6g
- Total carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- White sesame seeds can be substituted with black sesame seeds or a mixture of both.
- Mirin can be substituted with sweet white wine or rice vinegar.
- Sake can be substituted with dry white wine or rice vinegar.
Variations:
- Instead of pumpkin, sweet potato or butternut squash can be used.
- For a nuttier flavor, add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sesame sauce.
- For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of chili flakes to the sesame sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cool the pumpkin in ice water to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Toasting the sesame seeds before grinding them will enhance their flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to your liking.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pumpkin goma-ae in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Pumpkin goma-ae can be eaten cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, microwave it for 30 seconds or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pumpkin goma-ae in a shallow bowl or on a platter.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped scallions.
Pairings:
- Pumpkin goma-ae pairs well with grilled fish or chicken.
- It also goes well with steamed rice or soba noodles.
Suggested side dishes:
- Miso soup
- Edamame
- Pickled vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sesame sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- If the pumpkin is too mushy, reduce the cooking time or use a firmer variety of pumpkin.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pumpkin until it is tender but not mushy to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftover pumpkin goma-ae in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
- Goma-ae is a traditional Japanese dish made with a sesame sauce and blanched vegetables. It is often served as a side dish or appetizer.
Flavor profiles:
- Pumpkin goma-ae is sweet, nutty, and savory with a hint of umami from the soy sauce.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve pumpkin goma-ae as a side dish or appetizer.
- It can also be served as a vegetarian main dish with steamed rice or noodles.
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Region: Japanese