Koyadofu

Refer to "About.com - Japanese Food"

Even if foreigner who well knows Japanese culture, but almost people don't know "Koyadofu". Tofu is delicate, soft, preservation period is few days (Vacuum pack is 10 month) and low seasoning (soup stock, etc.) absorption.

Then,

Koyadofu

What is Koyadofu?:

"Koyadofu", or shimidofu, is freeze dried tofu which is commonly used in Japanese cooking. It's light and has a light beige color. Rehydrated koyadofu has a spongy texture, and it absorbs flavors from seasonings well. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, and it's traditionally simmered in savory dashi soup. It's recommended to store koyadofu in a cool and dark place.

How to Rehydrate:

There are some types of koyadofu which don't need to be rehydrated before cooking nowadays. But it's common to rehydrate it before cooking. Procedures may vary depending on types of koyadofu. Please follow the instructions on the packages. Below is a traditional way to rehydrate it.

1. Place dried koyadofu blocks in a large bowl.
2. Pour lots of warm water to cover koyadofu and soak for 5 to 10 minutes until softened all the way through.
3. Gently squeeze the white water out of koyadufu. Soak them in clean water again.
4. Press rehydrated koyadofu with your fingers to drain well.
5. Cut koyadofu into desired sizes for cooking.

"Koyadofu" can be used "Sushi", too.

Good Fortune Sushi Rolls

February 3rd is called Setsubun, which is also known as a bean throwing (mamemaki) festival in Japan. People throw roasted soybeans around houses and at temples and shrines to drive off bad luck and to bring good luck in. It's a custom to eat the same number of beans as one's age, hoping for good health and happiness.

Eho-maki (fortune rolls) are futo-maki (thick sushi rolls) eaten on the night of Setsubun. To be related with the Seven Deities of Good Fortune called Shichifukujin, seven fillings are traditionally rolled in a sushi roll. For example, simmered shiitake mushrooms and kanpyo (dried gourd), cucumber, rolled omelet (tamagoyaki), eels, sakura denbu (sweet fish powder), and seasoned koyadofu (freeze-dried tofu) are used. These ingredients represent good health, happiness, and prosperity, and rolling the fillings means good fortune.

Usually, sushi rolls are sliced into bite-sized pieces. But fortune rolls aren't sliced since slicing indicates cutting good fortune. When eating fortune rolls, people face toward the good fortune direction of the year and make wishes.

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