Hechima Jiru – Loofah soup from Kagoshima, Japan

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Hechima jiru, a standard Japanese soup, provides a pleasant mix of flavors and dietary advantages. Dive into this text to discover the historical past, preparation strategies, and distinctive qualities of hechima jiru, and uncover why this easy but nourishing soup has been cherished for generations.

What’s Hechima jiru?

kagoshima hechima jiru

Hechima jiru, also referred to as “Luffa soup,” is a standard Japanese soup of Kagoshima Prefecture, the place miso soup with a loofah and served in a bowl containing somen noodles. Locals sometimes put together the soup by simmering sliced luffa with miso paste, tofu, and generally pork or different greens. The luffa has a gentle, barely candy taste and a tender texture that absorbs the savory broth properly. Hechima jiru is appreciated for its gentle, refreshing style and sometimes loved in the course of the summer time months.

Hechima jiru Historical past

side photo of Hechima jiru (へちま汁)

In Kagoshima Prefecture, not like different areas the place loofahs are used as scrubbing brushes or in lotions, individuals in Kagoshima have been consuming loofahs since historical occasions. An 1802 encyclopedia known as “Seikatsu Zusetsu,” commissioned by Shimazu Shigehide, even describes loofah dishes.

Loofahs are crops native to tropical Asia, they usually thrive in sizzling, humid environments. This makes them excellent for cultivation in Okinawa Prefecture and southern Kyushu in Japan. Loofahs are also referred to as “itouri” (thread melon) resulting from their excessive fiber content material. For meals, they develop varieties with low fiber improvement. If loofahs develop too giant, the fiber turns into arduous, so that they harvest younger fruits lower than 20 cm in size. In Kagoshima Prefecture, they sometimes use loofah in summer time dishes. Whereas “Luffa soup” is a well-liked instance, in addition they usually embrace loofahs in stir-fries and different dishes.

Hechima jiru FAQ

What vitamins does loofah comprise?

Loofah is wealthy in potassium, which helps forestall swelling and hypertension, in addition to vitamin B6 and folic acid, that are efficient in stopping anemia, making it particularly useful for pregnant girls. Moreover, it incorporates water and dietary fiber, aiding within the prevention of weight problems.

How must you retailer Loofah?

To retailer loofah, preserve it within the fridge’s vegetable compartment, the place it’ll keep recent for as much as every week. Whereas the pores and skin could flip black when touched or rubbed, this doesn’t have an effect on the style; merely peel off the pores and skin earlier than consuming if needed.

Hechima jiru Recipe

hechima jiru with chopsticks

Hechima jiru Elements

Elements for 4 individuals Measurements
Loofah 100g
Somen noodles 30g
Dried sardines 30g
Miso 60g
Water 800g
Myoga (non-obligatory) 20g

How one can make Hechima jiru?

STEP

Put together the Miso Soup Base

Add the dried sardines to the water and allow them to soak for about half-hour. After soaking, warmth the combination on the range, deliver it to a boil, and simmer for about 3 minutes. Dissolve the miso into the simmering broth. You’ll be able to select to take away the dried sardines or depart them in for further taste.

STEP

Add the Loofah

Peel the loofah and lower it into giant bite-sized items. Add the loofah items to the miso soup and simmer till they turn into thick and tender.

STEP

Prepare dinner the Somen Noodles

Boil the somen noodles individually in keeping with the package deal directions. As soon as cooked, place the somen noodles in a soup bowl.

STEP

Assemble the Dish

Pour the miso soup with loofah over the cooked somen noodles within the soup bowl. If desired, garnish with shredded myoga ginger for added taste.

Hechima jiru Really helpful Eating places

Mikado (お食事処みかど)

hechima jiru from Mikado

Mikado’s “Luffa Miso Simmered in Miso,” is a dish made with thinly sliced ​​loofah, spam, tofu, and Chinese language chives, all wrapped up in miso with a powerful dashi taste. The miso is a bit of on the wealthy facet, so the loofah turns right into a hearty facet dish. This goes properly with rice, after all.

Handle: 1-3-18 Matsuyama, Naha Metropolis, Okinawa Prefecture
Cellphone quantity: 098-868-7082
Hours open: 10:00-21:00
Web site: https://tabelog.com/okinawa/

Takeaway

Hechima jiru on white bowl

We hope this text has given you a deeper appreciation for hechima jiru and impressed you to strive making it at house. Embrace this pleasant soup and luxuriate in its many advantages, each to your palate and your well-being.

For those who’re into some soup dishes from Japan, we suggest making an attempt the dishes under!

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