Name: Braised tofu and winter melon
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 125 ml dashi (see note); 2-3 tbsp mirin; 2-3 tbsp soy sauce (or to taste), plus extra to serve; 1 tso finely grated ginger; 1/2 winter melon, coarsely chopped; 600 gm silken tofu; Steamed rice, to serve; Thinly sliced spring onions, to serve; Roasted sesame seeds, to serve

This braised silken tofu recipe, known as yudofu, is an essential dish of Kyoto, traditionally prepared and consumed by Buddhist monks. Winter melon brings sweetness to this version – the variety you choose is up to you. Serve simply with rice.

Ingredients

125 ml dashi (see note)

2-3 tbsp mirin

2-3 tbsp soy sauce (or to taste), plus extra to serve

1 tso finely grated ginger

1/2 winter melon, coarsely chopped

600 gm silken tofu

Steamed rice, to serve

Thinly sliced spring onions, to serve

Roasted sesame seeds, to serve

Method

1.Add dashi, mirin, soy sauce and ginger to a braising pot or small casserole and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add melon and simmer, covered until starting to become tender (5-7 minutes), then add tofu, cover and simmer until tofu is warmed through and melon is tender (5 minutes).

2.Serve tofu and melon with steamed rice, topped with spring onion and sesame seeds, and season with soy sauce.