Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! 🎉 Let’s start 2024 with warmth and tradition—this is Ozouni, a comforting Japanese soup featuring mochi, tender chicken, and flavorful dashi. Ozouni is a cherished part of Japanese New Year celebrations, symbolizing renewal and prosperity for the year ahead. Mochi holds special significance in Japanese culture. Its sticky texture represents strong family bonds, and its round shape symbolizes good fortune and harmony. Eating mochi is believed to bring good health, happiness, and success in the new year. Here’s how to make a simple, single-serving Ozouni: Ingredients: • Kirimochi: 1 piece • Chicken thigh: 75g (bite-sized pieces) • Carrot: 1/4 (sliced thinly) • Shiitake mushroom: 1/2 (sliced) • Kamaboko (fish cake): 1-2 slices • Snap peas: Small handful (trimmed) • Prepared dashi: 400ml • Usukuchi soy sauce: 1 tsp • Salt: To taste Instructions: 1️⃣ Slice carrot, shiitake mushroom, and kamaboko. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. 2️⃣ Bring dashi to a boil, add chicken, carrot, and mushroom, and simmer for 5 minutes. 3️⃣ Season with soy sauce and salt, then cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately add snap peas to the pot. 4️⃣ Toast the kirimochi in a toaster oven or grill until soft and lightly browned. 5️⃣ Place mochi in a bowl, ladle the hot soup over it, and top with the snap peas and kamaboko. May your year be filled with joy, delicious food, and meaningful connections! 🥢✨
#Ozouni #HappyNewYear #JapaneseTradition #NewYearsFood #cooking