Cody Casey
The Furusato cooking pot is a traditional Japanese cast-iron pot, with the name 'Furusato' translating to 'hometown'. It is a versatile cooking pot that can be used to simmer, steam, boil, grill, and fry food. The pot is particularly good for making oden, a Japanese dish where ingredients are cooked until tender. The Furusato pot is also suitable for preparing hot pots, stews, soups, rice dishes, and steamed dishes. The pot has a wooden lid and a handle that folds flat for easy storage. It is recommended to hand wash and dry the pot thoroughly after each use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Iwachu |
| Material | Cast iron |
| Lid material | Cypress wood |
| Lid fit | Loose |
| Size | Small |
| Heat retention | High |
| Heat distribution | Even |
| Ease of cleaning | Easy |
| Functions | Simmer, steam, boil, grill, fry |
| Use cases | Noodle soup, nabeyaki udon, oden, stews, soups, rice dishes, steamed dishes |
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What You'll Learn
How to use a Furusato cooking pot to make oden
The Furusato cooking pot is a five-in-one gadget that can "simmer", "steam", "boil", "grill", and "fry" your favourite foods. It is primarily designed to make oden, a classic Japanese stew, and can cook the ingredients until tender, keeping them hot until serving.
To make oden using the Furusato cooking pot, first prepare the ingredients: daikon radish, konnyaku, tofu, fish cakes, and eggs. Peel and cut the daikon radish into 1-inch thick rounds, then add to the pot with cold water and bring to a boil. Cook for 20 minutes. While the daikon is cooking, rinse the konnyaku and lightly score the block with diagonal cuts, then cut into triangles. Add the konnyaku to a separate pot of boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain and set aside. Cut the tofu into triangles and the fish cakes into smaller pieces, if needed.
Next, make the oden stock by adding dashi, soy sauce, sake, and mirin to the Furusato pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat down to low. Add the par-boiled konnyaku and daikon radish to the pot and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Then, add the tofu, fish cakes, and hard-boiled eggs and cook for another 15 minutes.
Once cooked, bring the pot to the table and keep it warm on a low simmer. Enjoy your homemade oden by plucking out your chosen pieces with chopsticks!
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Using a Furusato cooking pot on an induction hob
First, check if your Furusato cooking pot is compatible with induction hobs. Induction cooking relies on the interaction between the cooktop and the cookware's magnetic properties to generate heat. Hold a magnet to the bottom of the pot. If it clings firmly, your pot will work on an induction hob. Many manufacturers also include an "induction-compatible" symbol on the bottom of their cookware, often resembling a horizontal zig-zag or coil.
If your Furusato cooking pot is not magnetic, don't despair. There are several hacks to make any cookware compatible with induction hobs. One popular method is to use a metal ring, typically made of iron or stainless steel, which is placed on the cooking surface. Your non-magnetic pot is then placed on top of the ring, allowing the ring to serve as a conduit for the magnetic field and heat your pot. Metal diffuser plates or induction discs made of non-reactive metal can also be placed inside the pot to achieve the same effect.
When using your Furusato cooking pot on an induction hob, always lift and gently place the pot onto the cooking surface to avoid scratching it. Induction hobs heat up quickly, so start with a low heat setting and gradually increase as needed. Avoid using high heat settings for extended periods, as this can damage your cookware and the cooktop. Remember to reduce the heat once your food reaches the optimal temperature; this is crucial for preventing overcooking and maintaining the condition of your cookware.
Regular maintenance is key to preserving the longevity and efficiency of your induction hob. Clean the surface regularly with a soft cloth and mild detergent, avoiding abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface. Always turn off the cooktop when you're finished to conserve energy and maintain safety.
By following these instructions, you can safely and effectively use your Furusato cooking pot on an induction hob, taking advantage of the speed, precision, and energy efficiency that induction cooking offers.
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Cleaning and maintaining a Furusato cooking pot
The Furusato cooking pot is a traditional Japanese oden pot, designed to cook ingredients until tender and keep them warm until serving. The name Furusato means "hometown", conjuring up images of dining in a rural hometown.
To clean and maintain your Furusato cooking pot, follow these steps:
- After each use, clean the pot by handwashing it with mild soap and warm water. Avoid using strong dish soap, as it can damage the pot. You can also use a small amount of vinegar on a rag to wipe down the pot and give it a shine.
- Disassemble any parts of the lid, such as the float valve and silicone plug, and place them in a small mesh bag. These can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher, or hand washed in mild soapy water.
- Wipe down the outside of the pot with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any crumbs or spills.
- For a deeper clean, especially if you use your pot frequently, you can fill the pot with water and add a small amount of vinegar. Bring this to a simmer and use a wooden spoon to gently loosen any built-up residue.
- Allow the pot to air dry completely before storing it in a cool, dry place.
- If the pot has a wooden lid, be aware that it may warp over time with use.
- Re-season the pot according to the manufacturer's instructions if needed.
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How to use a Furusato cooking pot for nabeyaki udon
The Furusato cooking pot is a versatile gadget that can be used to simmer, steam, boil, grill, and fry food. It is primarily designed for making oden, a Japanese winter staple. However, it can also be used to prepare nabeyaki udon, a one-pot Japanese noodle soup. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the Furusato cooking pot to make nabeyaki udon:
Prepare the Ingredients:
Firstly, gather all the ingredients. The key components of nabeyaki udon are thick, chewy udon noodles, and a flavorful dashi broth. For the broth, you can use kombu (dried kelp) and bonito (dried fish) flakes, or dried shiitake mushrooms steeped in water for a vegan option. You will also need soy sauce, mirin (or rice wine vinegar/white vinegar and sugar), and salt for seasoning. Additionally, you can include proteins such as chicken, beef, or tofu, and vegetables like mushrooms, squash, carrots, turnips, and leafy greens. Don't forget to cut all the ingredients into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Cook the Broth:
Start by adding the dashi to the Furusato cooking pot and bringing it to a simmer over medium heat. Add the soy sauce, mirin, and salt to taste. If you prefer a richer broth, you can also add chicken stock or miso paste.
Add Ingredients in Stages:
Once the broth is seasoned to your liking, start adding the remaining ingredients in stages. Begin with ingredients that take longer to cook, such as proteins and harder vegetables. After a few minutes, add the quicker-cooking ingredients like fish cakes (kamaboko), leafy greens, and scallions. Finally, add the udon noodles and cook according to the package instructions.
Serve and Enjoy:
Nabeyaki udon is typically served in individual donabe clay pots, but you can also serve it directly from the Furusato cooking pot at the table. This dish is best enjoyed hot, and the Furusato pot's ability to retain heat will ensure that your meal stays warm throughout your dining experience.
By following these steps and adjusting the ingredients to your taste, you can create a delicious and comforting bowl of nabeyaki udon using your Furusato cooking pot.
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The benefits of using a Furusato cooking pot
The Furusato cooking pot is a versatile and beneficial addition to your kitchen. Here are some advantages of using this traditional Japanese cookware:
Versatile Functionality: The Furusato pot is a true multi-cooker. It can be used to simmer, steam, boil, grill, and fry a variety of dishes. Whether you're making oden, nabeyaki udon, sukiyaki, or simply steaming vegetables, this pot can handle it all.
Excellent Heat Distribution: Made from cast iron or clay, the Furusato pot provides even and efficient heat distribution. This ensures your food cooks evenly, reducing the risk of burning or uneven cooking. The cast iron variety also retains heat well, making it ideal for dishes that require simmering or staying warm for extended periods.
One-Pot Meals: The Furusato pot is perfect for creating flavorful one-pot meals, like hot pots, stews, soups, and rice dishes. This makes cooking and serving more convenient, and it allows the flavors of your ingredients to meld together beautifully.
Visual Appeal: The Furusato pot is not just functional but also visually appealing. The cast iron version often features a cypress wood lid, adding a rustic charm to your dining experience. You can bring the pot directly from the stovetop to the dining table, creating a communal and inviting atmosphere as everyone serves from the same pot.
Easy to Use and Clean: Despite its traditional design, the Furusato pot is simple to use and maintain. It can be used on various heat sources, including stovetops and grills. The handle folds flat for easy storage, and the feet nubs on the bottom protect your table surfaces.
The Furusato cooking pot brings the heartwarming experience of hometown dining, as its name suggests, into your home.
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Frequently asked questions
A Furusato cooking pot is a cast iron nabe pot with a cypress wood lid. It is originally purposed for Japanese hot pot-style table-side cooking.
A Furusato cooking pot can be used to simmer, steam, boil, grill, and fry your favourite foods. It is primarily designed to make oden, keeping the ingredients hot until you are ready to eat. You can also use it to make nabeyaki udon, sukiyaki, and other hot pot dishes like yosenabe, shabu-shabu, and mizutaki.
The cast iron Furusato cooking pot has excellent heat retention properties, keeping your food warm for an extended period. Its lid and foldable handle also make it convenient for storing food and for serving directly at the dining table.
