Sesame-Flavored Chikuzenni Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup dashi broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 1/2 cup sliced bamboo shoots
- 1/2 cup sliced lotus root
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot or Dutch oven with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat sesame oil and vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Add ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add dashi broth, soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Add carrots, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and lotus root. Cover and simmer for another 10 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and stir in toasted sesame seeds and green onions.
8. Serve hot with steamed rice.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for browning chicken
- Low heat for simmering
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 330
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Sugar: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken thighs can be substituted with chicken breasts or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Dashi broth can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Mirin can be substituted with rice vinegar and sugar.
- Lotus root can be substituted with water chestnuts or daikon radish.

Variations:
- Add sliced bell peppers or snow peas for extra crunch and color.
- Use beef or pork instead of chicken for a different flavor.
- Add a splash of sesame oil at the end for extra sesame flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant.
- Cut vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir the ingredients to prevent the chicken from breaking apart.

Storage Instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat in a microwave or on the stove over low heat until hot.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve in a shallow bowl with steamed rice on the side.
- Garnish with extra sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds

Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Miso soup
- Pickled vegetables

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Edamame
- Seaweed salad
- Grilled vegetables

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sauce is too salty, add a splash of water or more broth to dilute it.
- If the vegetables are not cooked enough, simmer for a few more minutes until tender.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.

Food History:
- Chikuzenni is a traditional Japanese dish that originated in the Edo period (1603-1868). It is a stew made with chicken, vegetables, and broth.

Flavor Profiles:
- Savory, umami, nutty, slightly sweet

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish for a Japanese-inspired meal.

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Region: Japanese

Taste: Savory, Nutty, Umami, Sweet, Aromatic, Tangy