Fushimen with Fresh Shiitake and Fried Tofu - 生椎茸と油揚げのふしめん

Fushimen - The Best Somen Noodles
Fushimen is a part of somen noodles known for its firmer texture and unique taste. "Fushi" is a by-product of handmade somen noodles, and it is the part of the noodles that is pulled most strongly during the drying process, which gives it a chewier texture. Highly appreciated for its smooth consistency and savory flavor, it is considered the best part of somen noodles.

In mountainous regions, fushimen was traditionally reserved for special occasions, especially during the New Year's festivities, where it was prepared as fushijiru: a soup of fushimen cooked in a soy sauce-based dashi with various ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Fushimen noodles (or somen noodles if fushimen is unavailable)
• 80g chikuwa (fish paste rolled)
• 1 block of tofu (firm preferred)
• 1/2 green onion (aonegi)
• 2 fresh shiitake mushrooms
• 1 carrot
• 1/4 aburaage (fried tofu slices)
• 4 cups dashi (Japanese stock, typically made from dried fish)

Seasonings:

• 1 tsp mirin
• 2 tsp sweet soy sauce (usukuchi soy sauce)
• 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 8 pieces niboshi (dried small fish)

Preparation:

1. Make the dashi broth: In a large pot, prepare the dashi by soaking the niboshi (dried small fish) in water and bringing it to a boil. Strain the broth to remove the fish pieces. Add the mirin and soy sauces (sweet and regular) for seasoning. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

2. Prepare the ingredients:

   • Chikuwa: Cut into thin slices.
   • Tofu: Cut the tofu into cubes.
   • Carrot: Cut into julienne or small slices.
   • Shiitake mushrooms: Slice thinly.
   • Aburaage: Cut into slices.
   • Aonegi: Finely chop the green onion.

3. Cook the fushimen noodles: Boil the fushimen noodles (or somen) in water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. Cook the ingredients: Add the chikuwa, tofu, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, aburaage, and aonegi to the prepared broth. Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend well.

5. Assemble the fushijiru: Add the cooked fushimen noodles (or somen) to the broth with the other ingredients and let it simmer for a few minutes.

6. Serve: Serve hot in bowls. You can garnish the dish with fresh herbs or a bit more soy sauce to enhance the flavor.

Tips:

• This dish can be adapted with other toppings like eggs, meat, or seasonal vegetables.
• Fushimen can also be used in dishes like pasta or even sukiyaki for a different variation.
• Fushimen is a comforting and traditional dish, perfect for festive meals or to warm up on cold days!