Iwate-machi Nuppei-jiru with Tofu and Fluffy Grated Yam
Iwate-machi nuppei-jiru is a hot clear soup of finely cut firm tofu and seasonal mushrooms topped just before serving with grated nagaimo whipped with liquid from grated daikon. The yam...
At a glance
| Name | Iwate-machi Nuppei-jiru with Tofu and Fluffy Grated Yam (Nuppei-jiru) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Iwate |
| Region | Hokkaido & Tohoku |
| Type | Clear tofu and mushroom soup topped with grated nagaimo |
What is it?
Iwate-machi nuppei-jiru is a hot clear soup of finely cut firm tofu and seasonal mushrooms topped just before serving with grated nagaimo whipped with liquid from grated daikon. The yam makes each spoonful smooth and easy to swallow.
It differs from identically named nuppe or nuppei dishes elsewhere that simmer taro and root vegetables or thicken the whole pot with starch. This article concerns the tofu-and-yam form from Numakunai in Iwate-machi.
History and local context
Iwate's Food Artisan recipe simmers mushrooms such as naratake in niboshi stock, adds tofu cut into two- to three-millimeter strips, and seasons the clear soup with salt and soy sauce. Grated nagaimo is whipped with daikon juice until airy and placed on each hot bowl.
The name is explained through the nopperi appearance of yam across the surface and its slippery, smooth texture. It was prepared when people gathered for autumn festivals and mushroom season, as restaurant hospitality, and in northern or central Iwate as Buddhist vegetarian food using dried shiitake stock.
How to enjoy it
Add the fluffy yam only after the hot soup is in the bowl and combine it gently with tofu and mushrooms. Repeated stirring in the pot removes the light texture.
For five servings, the official recipe uses 200 grams nagaimo, one block firm tofu, 140 grams mushrooms, 120 milliliters daikon juice and 1.2 liters stock. Adjust daikon juice when it is especially sharp or the yam is watery.
Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Where is Iwate-machi Nuppei-jiru with Tofu and Fluffy Grated Yam from?
It is associated with Iwate, in the Hokkaido & Tohoku region of Japan.
What kind of food is Iwate-machi Nuppei-jiru with Tofu and Fluffy Grated Yam?
This guide classifies it as clear tofu and mushroom soup topped with grated nagaimo. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Iwate-machi Nuppei-jiru with Tofu and Fluffy Grated Yam online?
Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.
Order from Japan
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