Fukujinzuke facts for kids
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| Type | Condiment | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Place of origin | Japan | ||||||
| Serving temperature | Warm | ||||||
| Main ingredients | Daikon radish | ||||||
| Ingredients generally used | Japanese eggplant | ||||||
| 85 kcal (356 kJ) | |||||||
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Fukujinzuke (福神漬) is a popular Japanese condiment. It is a type of pickle, often served with Japanese curry. This colorful and crunchy side dish adds a special touch to many meals.
Fukujinzuke is made from different vegetables. These include daikon (a type of radish), eggplant, lotus root, and cucumber. The vegetables are cut into small pieces. Then, they are pickled in a special sauce. This sauce is usually flavored with soy sauce. The pickling process gives fukujinzuke its unique crunchy texture.
The Story Behind the Name
The name Fukujinzuke comes from an old Japanese tale. It is linked to the Seven Lucky Gods. These gods are known as Shichifukujin in Japanese. They are believed to bring good fortune and happiness.
To honor these gods, some types of fukujinzuke use seven different vegetables. This makes the pickle even more special.
What Vegetables Are Used?
Besides the main four (daikon, eggplant, lotus root, and cucumber), other vegetables can be added. These might include:
- Sword beans
- Perilla leaves
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Sesame seeds
Sometimes, lotus root is swapped for carrot. Carrots also give a sweet and crunchy taste. For a bright red color, some recipes add sliced beetroot. This makes the fukujinzuke look even more appealing.
How to Enjoy Fukujinzuke
Fukujinzuke is most famous for being served with Japanese curry. Its crisp texture and slightly sweet, savory taste go perfectly with the rich curry sauce. It helps to balance the flavors of the meal.
You can also enjoy fukujinzuke with other Japanese dishes. It's great with plain rice or as a side dish for various meals. It adds a refreshing crunch and a burst of flavor.
See also
In Spanish: Fukujinzuke para niños
