Chikuzenni

Chikuzenni is a cherished traditional Japanese dish from northern Kyushu, Japan. This delightful medley of braised chicken and a variety of vegetables is often savored during New Year celebrations. The dish is named after the former Chikuzen prefecture, now known as Fukuoka. Originally called "game-ni" the name derives from the phrase "game kuri komu" meaning "to gather" which describes the process of collecting and cooking the ingredients together.

Historically, Japanese soldiers stationed in Korea during invasions substituted chicken with turtles known as dobugame, giving rise to the term game-ni. In this context, "game" referred to the turtles used in the dish.

Today, chikuzenni is made with chicken instead of turtle meat. Fukuoka, Japan, is particularly noted for its fondness for chicken and burdock root, likely because chikuzenni is a staple in many households in the region.

To prepare chikuzenni, you begin by sautéing the ingredients in oil. Then, you simmer them in a flavorful mix of dashi, shiitake mushroom broth, and mirin. The dish typically includes taro root, dried shiitake mushrooms, konnyaku (a type of yam cake), burdock root, lotus root, and carrots, all cooked until tender. Sometimes, snap peas are added at the end to provide a fresh, crisp touch.