Mineoka-dofu / Mineoka-tofu / milk kudzu pudding

Often made today with cream and sugar as a dessert, this milk pudding originally was improvised as a quasi-tofu dish about 300 years ago when the Shogun, during a visit to the pastures of Mineoka, simply mentioned his desire to eat tofu. Upon hearing the Shogun's words, a cook accompanying the Shogun made the pudding using cow's milk and kudzu found at the pastures. Traditionally, milk is the only dairy ingredient that goes into the pudding; I mixed it with additive-free tonyu soy milk to cut back on sodium in the recipe below. This pudding contains no sweetener, but its milky taste and creamy texture are quite gratifying.      

1 serving (1/4 of Mineoka-dofu recipe, 1/2 of sauce recipe, shrimp & arugula):
113 calories; 5.7 g protein; 5.3 g fat; 10.8 g carbohydrate; 9.9 g net carbs; 105 mg sodium; 19 mg cholesterol; 0.9 g fiber

Whole recipe of Mineoka-dofu only:
388 calories; 14.4 g protein; 20.6 g fat; 37.8 g carbohydrate; 10.8 g net carbs; 85 mg sodium; 24 mg cholesterol; 2.4 g fiber

Sukuidofu to kumiage-yuba no miso guratan / extra soft tofu and fresh tofu skin gratin with red miso

This creation is inspired by a little savory gratin we shared at an upscale izakaya pub in Osaka last winter. Red miso's rich complexity binds and highlights all the mild key players -- extra soft tofu, fresh yuba, bechamel sauce and fontina cheese. A combination of lemon zest and yuzu citron juice offers a fresh note and lightens the overall taste. Below, bechamel or white sauce is made in the microwave for simplified preparation.

254 calories (1 ramekin); 15.7 g protein; 16.0 g fat; 10.3 g carbohydrate; 9.5 g net carbs; 181 mg sodium; 24 mg cholesterol; 0.8 g fiber

Mekyabetsu to koebi no kisshu / quiche with brussels sprouts and bay shrimp

A simple quiche with brussels sprouts and bay shrimp. Brussels spouts are sauteed until lightly golden to caramelize them slightly, which highlights their natural sweetness. A gentle and rich combination in a personal-size savory tart.

1/2 of recipe with okara soybean pulp tart crust:
515 calories; 21.1 g protein; 39.4 g fat; 20.0 g carbohydrate; 9.6 g net carbs; 209 mg sodium; 253 mg cholesterol; 10.4 g fiber

Amazake-iri sobako pankeeki / buckwheat pancakes with amazake

More filling than they look, these small pancakes are sugar free and take advantage of buckwheat and amazake for health benefits. The soft sweetness of amazake made from brown sweet rice makes this pancake a natural with syrup and fruit or as a plain pancake to accompany savory dishes.

1/2 of recipe:
445 calories; 13.8 g protein; 10.4 g fat; 72.7 g carbohydrate; 70.4 g net carbs; 84 mg sodium (with milk; 74 mg with soy milk); 224 mg cholesterol; 2.3 g fiber

Fu to kobashira no guratan / wheat gluten cake gratin with bay scallops (bechamel sauce version)

A light gratin featuring fluffy fu gluten cakes.

1/2 of recipe (with bechamel sauce made with milk; no additional salt)
326 calories; 20.3 g protein; 15.5 g fat; 26.1 g carbohydrate; 22.9 g net carbs; 286 mg sodium (251 mg sodium when rehydrating fu with soy milk); 62.2 mg cholesterol (52.2 mg sodium when rehydrating fu with soy milk); 3.2 g fiber

1/2 of recipe (with bechamel sauce made with tonyu soy milk, no additional salt)
312 calories; 21.2g  protein; 14.0 g fat; 24.9 g carbohydrate; 20.7 g net carbs; 246 mg sodium (211 mg sodium when rehydrating fu with soy milk); 49.2 mg cholesterol (39.2 mg sodium when rehydrating fu with soy milk); 4.2 g fiber

Ainame no dyukuseru-yaki / grilled ling cod with duxelles

Tasty mushroom sauce adds amazing aroma and depth to a simple fish dish. This is a very easy fish dish that looks pretty impressive at the table.

1/2 of recipe:
226 calories; 28.7 g protein; 8.5 g fat; 5.9 g carbohydrate; 4.9 g net carbs; 114 mg sodium; 95 mg cholesterol; 1.0 g fiber

Howaito soosu / bechamel sauce

A basic bechamel sauce for many gratin and lasagna dishes.


Made with whole milk:
731 calories (whole recipe); 24.4 g protein; 45.1 g fat; 55.1 g carbohydrate; 52.8 g net carbs; 552 mg sodium (259 mg sodium when made without salt); 129 mg cholesterol; 2.3 g fiber

Made with soy milk:
647 calories (whole recipe); 29.9 g protein; 36.0 g fat; 47.7 g carbohydrate; 44.0 g net carbs; 312 mg sodium (19 mg sodium when made without salt); 55 mg cholesterol; 3.7 g fiber

Kani kuriimu korokke / crab cream croquettes

The creamy filling melts in your mouth. Simple, creamy croquettes to take full advantage of the crab's flavor. Adding mashed potato makes it a bit more substantial.

Bagna cauda sauce

Aromatic dipping sauce for seasonal vegetables and bread. Our version is made with cream for a mild flavor.

Kateeji chiizu / cottage cheese

Make only the amount you need. It's easy! And, no more expired leftovers buried deep inside the fridge.

Paneer

Simple Indian cheese.