Ingredients

1 cup burdock root , scraped , cut into 1/2-inch diagonal pieces & soaked until ready to use to prevent discoloration ( gobo )
1 strip dried kelp , soaked in water until soft & then rinsed ( kombu )
3 - 3 1/2 cups chicken stock or 3 -3 1/2 cups dashi
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 lb boneless chicken thighs , cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup mushroom
2 carrots , peeled & cut into bite-sized chunks
1 can bamboo shoots
1 package konjac , cut in bite-sized pieces ( aka yam cake ) or 6 ounces shirataki noodles , drained and rinsed ( made with tofu and yam flour )
1/4 lb snow peas
2 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ajinomoto or 1/2 teaspoon Accent seasoning
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons shoyu ( soy sauce )
Umani is a traditional Japanese stew that is made with a variety of root vegetables and seafood or meat such as chicken, pork, or beef. The name Umani means 'delicious stew', and this dish certainly lives up to its name. The dish is known for its warm and comforting flavors that are perfect for a cold winter night. The root vegetables such as burdock and carrots provide a hearty and wholesome base for the stew while the seaweed adds a rich umami flavor to the dish. The addition of chicken makes this dish a complete meal that is sure to satisfy your hunger and warm your soul.

Instructions

1.In a pot, add the burdock root, kelp, and chicken stock or dashi and bring to a boil.
2.Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3.In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil and sauté the chicken and mushrooms until cooked through.
4.Add the chicken, mushrooms, carrots, bamboo shoots, konjac or shirataki noodles, snow peas, salt, Ajinomoto or Accent seasoning, sugar, and shoyu to the pot and bring to a boil.
5.Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are cooked to your liking.

PROS

Umani is a warm and comforting dish that is packed with flavor and nutrients.

It is a great way to incorporate healthy root vegetables and seaweed into your diet.

The chicken provides a good source of protein while the snow peas add a fresh crunch to the dish.

CONS

The preparation of the ingredients may take some time, especially if you are not familiar with some of the ingredients such as burdock root and konjac.

The dish may be too heavy for some people if they are not used to consuming stews.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Umani is a nutrient-dense dish that is packed with vitamins and minerals.
The burdock root is known to improve digestive health and boost the immune system while the seaweed provides important minerals such as iodine and calcium.
The chicken and snow peas are good sources of protein and vitamin C respectively.

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