Kiritanpo Nabe (Akita Rice Skewer Hotpot)
Kiritanpo Nabe is a comforting Akita hotpot featuring toasted rice skewers simmered in a rich chicken broth.
Contents (2 sections)▾
Ingredients
- 300 g fresh short-grain rice
- 1.5 liters free-range chicken broth (hinai-jidori recommended)
- 200 g chicken thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium daikon radish, sliced
- 100 g shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 100 g green onions, cut into 5 cm pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp miso paste
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Steps
Rinse 300 g of fresh short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak for 30 minutes.
Drain the rice and steam it for 30 minutes, until fully cooked.
While the rice is still warm, pound it using a pestle or a heavy object until it becomes smooth and sticky.
Divide the pounded rice into equal portions, mold each portion around a skewer, and toast them over an open flame or grill until golden brown.
In a large pot, bring 1.5 liters of chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat.
Add the chicken pieces and simmer for 5 minutes until they are cooked through.
Stir in the daikon, shiitake mushrooms, and green onions, then add 2 tbsp of soy sauce and 1 tbsp of miso paste. Allow to simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
Carefully place the toasted rice skewers into the pot and let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Taste and adjust with salt if needed before serving hot.
Why this works
The technique of pounding the rice creates a sticky consistency, allowing it to mold onto skewers and absorb the rich flavors of the broth. Toasting the rice skewers adds a delightful depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile. The pounded rice acts like a sponge, soaking up the savory chicken broth, resulting in a comforting and hearty hotpot. If the rice seems too dry after pounding, you can add a splash of water to help it stick better. Similarly, if the broth is too salty, add a little water to balance the flavors. This dish showcases the harmony of simple ingredients, highlighting the quality of the hinai-jidori chicken and seasonal vegetables, making it a warm, nourishing meal perfect for any gathering.