Plump, cheerful figures carrying sacks brimming with treasures appear in folktales around the world. In the West, it¡¯s Santa Claus who delivers presents to those who have been good, while in Japan, Daikokuten rewards the earnest and deserving with wealth and good fortune from his fukubukuro, or ¡°lucky bag.¡±
In Japan, there¡¯s a culinary equivalent to the lucky bag: the age-fukubukuro ¡ª pouches of abura-age (fried tofu) simmered in a soy-tinged broth and stuffed with food.
Age-fukubukuro can be enjoyed on their own or added to nabemono (cook-at-the-table hot pot casseroles). They also make a welcome addition to oden for those looking for nonfish alternatives. For those seeking vegetarian or vegan options, age-fukubukuro can be stuffed with a wide variety of vegetables and then simmered in a veggie broth. For this recipe, I¡¯ve chosen to stuff my age-fukubukuro with ground chicken and vegetables.
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