Hōtō – Classic
This is the traditional, time-tested version of the dish. It stays true to its origins, using well-established techniques and ingredients that define its authentic flavor. A perfect starting point for exploring its evolution.
Country: 
Japan Region / Locale: Yamanashi prefecture Servings: Serves 4
Japan Region / Locale: Yamanashi prefecture Servings: Serves 4Hōtō is a hearty and comforting noodle soup hailing from the Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan. This dish is steeped in tradition and is celebrated for its rustic, homely flavors that highlight the simplicity and freshness of ingredients. It features flat, wide noodles simmered in a miso-based broth with an array of seasonal vegetables. Historically, hōtō was a staple for samurais, providing sustenance and warmth through its nourishing and tummy-filling properties.
Ingredients
- flat udon noodles – 300 g
- white miso paste – 100 g / 3.5 oz
- dashi stock – 1.5 liters / 6 cups
- pumpkin, sliced – 200 g / 7 oz
- shiitake mushrooms – 100 g / 3.5 oz
- carrot, sliced – 100 g / 3.5 oz
- daikon radish, sliced – 100 g / 3.5 oz
- large onion, chopped – 1
- soy sauce – 2 tbsp
- mirin – 2 tbsp
- garlic, minced – 2 cloves
- ginger, minced – 1 tbsp
- spring onions, chopped – 2
- salt – to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by slicing them uniformly.
- In a large pot, heat dashi stock and add miso paste. Stir until the miso is fully dissolved.
- Add garlic and ginger to the pot and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the pumpkin, carrots, and daikon radish. Cook until they start to soften, about 10 minutes.
- Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and onions. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce and mirin, and adjust the seasoning with salt to taste.
- Add the flat udon noodles and cook until the noodles are tender yet chewy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the noodles are cooked, sprinkle chopped spring onions over the stew before serving.
Substitutions
- dashi stock -> vegetable broth
- pumpkin -> butternut squash
- white miso paste -> red miso paste
Enhancements in the Next Evolution
- Roast the pumpkin slices before adding to deepen the flavor.
- Add a poached egg on top for extra richness.
- Use homemade dashi for a more authentic taste.
- Include a variety of mushrooms for a more complex umami profile.
Curious to see how this dish evolves? Discover refined flavors and enhanced techniques in the next version.
