What is this? Delicious! Two side dish recipes for home parties that are sure to liven things up

Hello. I am Ayumi Nakaganji, a chef.

Many people will be planning home parties with family and friends during the second half of Golden Week.

At times like these, you may have decided on the main dish, but are stuck thinking about what side dish or palate cleanser to make to go with it?

So this time, we will introduce you to a palate cleanser that goes perfectly with alcohol and can be prepared the day before. It is a slightly surprising recipe that includes ingredients that will make you ask, "What is this made of?"

1: Classic Chinese cold dish: "Dried tofu salad"

"Dried tofu" is tofu that has been pressed to remove the moisture and lightly dried. Recently, it has become easier to obtain as it is also sold under the name "tofu skin slices" in the frozen section of supermarkets such as Gyomu Super.

This is a classic Chinese salad. The unique texture is addictive! It's also great that it's made with tofu, so you can eat it without feeling guilty.

Image: Ayumi Chuganji

[Ingredients] (Serves 2-3)
Dried tofu・・・100g
Coriander...1 stalk
Ham...3 slices
White spring onion...about 5cm
Dried wood ear mushrooms...3-4 pieces
A Black vinegar・・・1/2 tablespoon
A Soy sauce・・・1 teaspoon
A Sesame oil・・・1/2 tablespoon
Salt and pepper... a pinch
Sugar... a pinch

<How to make>

(1) Thoroughly rehydrate the wood ear mushrooms in lukewarm water and cut them into strips. Boil together with the dried tofu in plenty of water (not included in the recipe) for about 3 minutes, then transfer to cold water and squeeze both thoroughly (squeezing out the water thoroughly will prevent them from becoming watery). Cut the ham into strips, roughly chop the white onion, and roughly chop the coriander.

(2) Place the wood ear mushrooms, dried tofu, ham, and white onion in a bowl, add the mixed ingredients A, and toss to taste with salt, pepper, and sugar. Add the coriander and toss gently.

You can also add a little chili oil. Dried tofu itself has a mild flavor, so you can enjoy it with a variety of seasonings. You can also make it the day before without adding coriander.

2: A new fluffy texture! "Potato salad with fishcake"

Do you use hanpen in your everyday meals? In addition to the main ingredient of white fish paste, it also contains egg whites and yams, making it low in fat and high in protein. It's also a great food for dieters.

Its mild flavor makes it delicious with any seasoning. This time, I added it to potato salad.

When I serve it to guests at home, they always ask me what's in it. The hanpen has a marshmallow-like texture and is delicious.

Image: Ayumi Chuganji

Ingredients (serves 3-4)
Hanpen (fish cake)...1 bag
Potatoes...2 medium sized ones (200g)
Egg...1
Cucumber...1 piece
Onion・・・1/4
Salt and pepper...to taste
Vinegar...1 teaspoon
Sugar...1 teaspoon
Consomme (granules)...1/4 teaspoon
Mayonnaise... 4 to 5 tablespoons
Mustard paste... appropriate amount

<How to make>

(1) Crush the hanpen (fish cake) into small pieces with your hands from the top of the bag. Cut the potatoes in half and boil them with the eggs until soft. Drain and peel them when they have cooled. Thinly slice the onion and slice the cucumber into rings, place in a bowl, and rub with salt (not included in the recipe) to remove any moisture.

(2) Mash the potatoes and peeled boiled eggs in a separate bowl. Add salt, pepper, vinegar, sugar, and consommé, mix, and let cool.

(3) Rinse the onion and cucumber briefly in water, squeeze out the water thoroughly, and place in the bowl (2).

(4) Add the hanpen fishcakes, mix with mayonnaise and mustard paste, and season with salt and pepper.

I like making potato salad on the second day so the flavors have time to blend and settle, so I make it the day before I have guests over. This also means I don't have to rush around on the day.

Be sure to add this to your regular potato salad repertoire.

I hope you all have a wonderful Golden Week. (Text by Ayumi Nakaganji)
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