Butajiru facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Tonjiru |
|---|---|
| Type | Soup |
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Main ingredients | Pork, vegetables, miso |
Butajiru or tonjiru (豚汁, "pork soup") is a yummy Japanese soup. It's made with tender pork and lots of fresh vegetables, all flavored with a special paste called miso. Think of it like a heartier, more filling version of regular miso soup, packed with more ingredients!
Contents
What's in Butajiru?
Main Ingredients for a Tasty Soup
To make Butajiru, thinly sliced pork is cooked with many different vegetables. These ingredients are simmered in a special broth called dashi. Then, miso paste is added to give the soup its rich, savory flavor.
Popular Vegetables and More
Many kinds of vegetables can be found in Butajiru. Some common ones include:
- Burdock root
- Konjac (a jelly-like food)
- Seaweed
- Scallions (also known as spring onions)
- Daikon radish
- Carrot
- Tofu, sometimes even fried tofu called aburaage
- Root vegetables like potatoes, taro, or sweet potato
- Mushrooms, such as shiitake and shimeji
Sometimes, you can even find instant Butajiru mixes, which make it super easy to prepare!
Why Two Names?
Butajiru or Tonjiru?
The Japanese character for pig (豚) can be read in two ways: "buta" or "ton." This is why the soup has two names!
The name butajiru is more commonly used in Western Japan and on the island of Hokkaidō. On the other hand, tonjiru is heard more often in Eastern Japan. No matter what you call it, it's the same delicious soup!
Skiing Soup in Niigata
There's also a special version of this soup called sukii-jiru, which means "skiing-soup." This version includes sweet potatoes and was served to skiers in the ski resorts of Niigata Prefecture until around the 1960s. It was a perfect warm meal after a day on the slopes!
See also
In Spanish: Butajiru para niños
