Chankonabe is a traditional Japanese stew that is famously associated with sumo wrestlers, as it's part of their high-calorie diet for weight gain. Despite this, it's also a very nutritious dish filled with a variety of veggies, proteins, and a flavorful broth. This recipe is heartwarming, comforting, and delightfully simple to prepare. You'll begin by creating a rich dashi soup base, which serves as a foundation for the dish. The bulk of the recipe is made up of a myriad of ingredients including chicken, tofu, and an array of vegetables, boiled together until they're tender and flavorful. Lastly, udon noodles are added for an extra fulfilling touch. The entire process takes about an hour, and the result is a large pot of hearty, umami-packed stew that's filling and satisfying. It's a fantastic dish to serve to a crowd, or to make as a meal prep for the week. Enjoy your homemade Chankonabe!
Chankonabe is more than just a hearty stew; it's a time-honored tradition deeply associated with sumo culture in Japan. Notably, this dish is a staple in the diet of sumo wrestlers, providing them with the necessary nutrients and energy to sustain their hefty physique and intense training regimen. Sumo stables, where the wrestlers live and train, often prepare Chankonabe communally, with the highest-ranking sumo wrestlers eating first. The pot is kept simmering throughout the day, and ingredients are continuously added as the wrestlers return from their training sessions, symbolizing the perpetual cycle of sustenance and striving in sumo life. In fact, many retired sumo wrestlers have opened up Chankonabe restaurants, sharing this piece of sumo culture with the general public. In this way, enjoying a pot of Chankonabe allows one to taste not just the savory fusion of its ingredients, but also an intriguing slice of Japanese tradition.
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