Winter Carrot Mix

Directions

1. 1
   Wash and trim the carrot.
2. 2
   Peel the burdock and put into cold water to prevent discoloration.
3. 3
   Rinse and drain the deep-fried tofu to remove excess oil.
4. 4
   Rinse the hijiki and gourd ribbon.
5. 5
   Cut all of these into very small pieces of approximately the same size.
6. 6
   Put all the vegetables into a saucepan and add enough dashi to cover.
7. 7
   Bring to a boil, cover (preferably with a drop lid), and simmer for 5 minutes or until the carrots are semicooked.
8. 8
   Add the soy sauce, sake, mirin or honey, and ginger and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 40 minutes or until well-flavored and nearly dry.
9. 9
   Arrange in neat mounds in the center of small, deep bowls of a contrasting color and sprinkle with a few sesame seeds.
10. 10
    Serve hot or at room temperature.