Unique Content Article: Otoshi-Buta: Japanese Kitchen Drop Lids For Stewing And Simmering

Otoshi-Buta: Japanese Kitchen Drop Lids For Stewing And Simmering

by Kaku Nanashi

One of the reasons why Japanese cuisine is so healthy is that it involves a lot of simmering and stewing in flavored broth instead of frying and grilling. And of course, the Japanese have a simple device to facilitate the simmering process called an "otoshi-buta".

Otoshi-buta are circular "lids" that are placed inside a pot of simmering foods and rest directly upon the ingredients. Using a lid in this way does three things. First of all, it holds down fragile ingredients like potatoes and prevents from breaking apart due to the shaking caused by the boiling broth. Secondly, it facilitates even heating by keeping heat from escaping the pot. Last but not least, it prevents flavor from diffusing out of the ingredients and into the broth by requiring less liquid to fully submerge everything.

Traditionally, otoshi-buta are made of wood and feature a handle jutting out of its diameter. They are soaked in water before use to prevent the broth from seeping into the wood and contaminating future dishes. After use, they are to be thoroughly scrubbed and left to dry before using again. Modern otoshi-buta made out of materials such as stainless steel and silicone don't have these requirements and can simply be cleaned and wiped dry.

If you want to try out the otoshi-buta right now, you can make one out of aluminum foil or cooking paper (what the French call a "chesimer"). When simmering brittle vegetables, one of these makeshift otoshi-buta is actually better than a heavier, reusable lid because it won't crush the vegetables while keeping them submerged in broth.

It's quite incredible how much of a difference this simple device can make. Do yourself a favor and try one out for yourself. You'll be a believer once you taste the improvement!



There is a reason why Tokyo has more Michelin stars than Paris; the <a href="http://fareastcoastkitchen.blogger.com">Japanese kitchen</a> is a fascinating product of centuries of culinary heritage. If you want to learn more about Japanese and other Asian cooking supplies, recipes, and techniques, check out my blog about <a href="http://fareastcoastkitchen.wordpress.com">Japanese kitchens</a> at fareastcoastkitchen.com.

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