RECIPE: New Year’s Ozoni (Mochi) Soup

Traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day in Japan for good luck and good health in the coming year, this hearty dashi-based soup is simple yet full of savory flavor!

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

Soup

• 50g (2oz) Japanese daikon radish (can substitute with white radish or jicama)
• ¼ large carrot (~30g)
• 50g (2oz) chicken thigh
• 2 pieces Brown Rice Golden Mochi
• Coriander/cilantro to taste

Dashi Broth

• 360ml (1½ cups) water
• 4 Tbsp sake (or dry white wine)
• 2 packets Okinawa Soba Soup Base
• 2 tsp soy sauce*
• 2 pinches of salt*

Instructions:

1. Cut the daikon radish in half lengthwise and then thinly slice to create half moon shaped pieces. Cut the carrot in half lengthwise and thinly slice into half moons as well. Chop coriander/cilantro into garnish sized pieces. Set aside.
2. Cut chicken thigh into bite-sized pieces and cook in boiling water for 2 mins or until cooked through. Drain and set aside.
3. Refill the pot with water and bring back to a boil. Add carrot and daikon radish slices and boil over medium heat until tender. Drain and set aside. 
4. Toast the Brown Rice Golden Mochi in a toaster oven on a lined baking sheet (2 mins each side) or pan fry (4 mins each side) and set aside.
5. Add the dashi broth ingredients to a sauce pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cooked vegetables and chicken and warm to just below a boil.
6. Ladle the soup into 2 bowls and top with the toasted mochi and chopped coriander/cilantro.