Heaven and Earth Tempura Cakes (Ten Chi Kaki Age)
The name of this dish, Heaven and Earth, is a euphemism for kitchen scraps, namely the tops and bottoms of produce: tender, leafy celery tops; tougher leek tops; mushroom stems; carrot and daikon peels; stubby ends of lotus and burdock root, parsnips, rutabagas, and bitter melon. All sorts of neglected or remaindered vegetable bits can be transformed into lovely, lacy-crisp, colorful tempura pancakes. The key to making tasty pancakes from disparate ingredients is to select items that cook at approximately the same temperature and time. Cutting your vegetables so that most are long and thin and a few are in crescents or rounds will make it easier to form a cohesive mass. Dusting ingredients with cornstarch before adding them to the batter will also help the pancakes hold together. When you are ready to form the pancakes, use a large, flat stainless-steel spoon or ladle to help shape them. Dipping the spoon or ladle into hot oil first will ensure easy release of the pancake as you slip it into the oil. Another bit of advice: gaman, which translates as "reticence" or "reluctance." Refraining from taking action is often considered a virtue in both the Japanese kitchen and Japanese society at large. My recipe instructs you not to take certain actions, though you may find it tough to follow such advice. I provide two assorted-vegetable examples below, one using wintertime produce, the other showcasing summer's bounty. At any time of year, use this recipe to guide you in creating your own heavenly pancake with earthy flavors. Serve with lemon or lime wedges and the three-pepper salt.
The name of this dish, Heaven and Earth, is a euphemism for kitchen scraps, namely the tops and bottoms of produce: tender, leafy celery tops; tougher leek tops; mushroom stems; carrot and daikon peels; stubby ends of lotus and burdock root, parsnips, rutabagas, and bitter melon. All sorts of neglected or remaindered vegetable bits can be transformed into lovely, lacy-crisp, colorful tempura pancakes. The key to making tasty pancakes from disparate ingredients is to select items that cook at approximately the same temperature and time. Cutting your vegetables so that most are long and thin and a few are in crescents or rounds will make it easier to form a cohesive mass. Dusting ingredients with cornstarch before adding them to the batter will also help the pancakes hold together. When you are ready to form the pancakes, use a large, flat stainless-steel spoon or ladle to help shape them. Dipping the spoon or ladle into hot oil first will ensure easy release of the pancake as you slip it into the oil. Another bit of advice: gaman, which translates as "reticence" or "reluctance." Refraining from taking action is often considered a virtue in both the Japanese kitchen and Japanese society at large. My recipe instructs you not to take certain actions, though you may find it tough to follow such advice. I provide two assorted-vegetable examples below, one using wintertime produce, the other showcasing summer's bounty. At any time of year, use this recipe to guide you in creating your own heavenly pancake with earthy flavors. Serve with lemon or lime wedges and the three-pepper salt.
Step-by-step
- Depending upon seasonal availability, choose to make either the winter pancakes or the summer pancakes: To make the winter pancakes, place the red onion in a bowl. With a pastry brush, dust the slices thoroughly with some of the cornstarch. Pull gently to separate the crescent shapes, dusting again with a bit more cornstarch. Add the carrot and sweet potato peels to the bowl and dust with the remaining cornstarch. Toss to distribute the vegetables evenly.
- To make the summer pancakes, with a pastry brush, dust the bitter melon slices thoroughly with some of the cornstarch, then place them in a bowl. Dust the zucchini slices and kabocha peels in a similar manner and add them to the bowl; toss to distribute evenly. Dust the shredded shiso leaves and chives with cornstarch and add them to the bowl; toss again to distribute evenly.
- Make the batter just before frying: Place the ice cubes in a small bowl with half of the water. Sift the cake flour over the water and stir to mix slightly; there should still be lumps. If needed, add water, a few drops at a time, until the batter is the consistency of a thin pancake batter.
- Pour the vegetable oil to a depth of 1 1/2 inches into a small wok or small, deep skillet. Add the sesame oil and heat slowly. Check the temperature with an unvarnished long wooden chopstick (or a bamboo skewer). Small bubbles will form around the tip when the oil is about 350°F. Wait for about 45 seconds longer to allow the temperature to rise a bit more—to about 370°F—and then test the oil temperature with a few drops of batter. If they sink slightly, then rise to the surface and puff quickly but do not color, the oil is ready. You may need to fry the pancakes in batches to avoid crowding them in the pan. Preheat the oven to 200°F for keeping the cooked pancakes warm.
- Spoon a bit of the batter over the cornstarch-dusted vegetables and toss lightly to coat the vegetables with the batter. Dip a large spoon or ladle into the hot oil. Place one-eighth of the vegetable mixture in the bowl of the oil-dipped spoon. Carefully tilt the spoon to slide the pancake into the hot oil, aiming to make a disk about 2 inches in diameter. The batter and cornstarch act as "glue" to keep the vegetable slivers together. Repeat to make more pancakes, being careful not to crowd the pan.
- Most important, refrain from touching the pancakes for a full 30 seconds after you place them in the oil. It will seem like an eternity, but gaman will yield the best results. If wayward bits are strewn at the edges of your pan, carefully pick them up and place them on top of the still-moist pancake batter in the center. (Skill with long chopsticks will be well rewarded, though a long-handled fine-mesh skimmer can scoop beneath as well.) If the center of the pancake is very dry, dip the wayward bits in some fresh batter before "gluing" them in place. When the batter in the center of the disk seems barely moist, carefully invert the pancake.
- After flipping, allow the pancakes to fry undisturbed for about 1 minute, or until crisp. Using cooking chopsticks or a skimmer, remove the pancakes from the oil and place them on a rack set over a baking sheet to drain. If frying in batches, place the baking sheet in the oven to keep the fried pancakes warm. Use the skimmer to clear the oil of batter bits between batches.
- When all of the pancakes are fried, transfer them to paper towels to absorb any additional surface oil.
Heaven and Earth Tempura Cakes: A Culinary Adventure
As a busy professional woman, juggling a demanding career and a desire for wholesome, delicious meals is a constant challenge. I don't always have the time for elaborate recipes, but I do value fresh ingredients and creative cooking. That's where the magic of "Heaven and Earth Tempura Cakes" comes in. This recipe isn't just about using up leftover vegetables; it's a celebration of resourcefulness and flavor. It's a testament to transforming humble scraps into something truly extraordinary – a testament to my own life philosophy of maximizing potential. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. It’s a blank canvas, a delicious excuse to experiment with whatever seasonal produce is at my disposal. One day I might use the discarded tops of carrots and celery; another, I’ll experiment with squash peels and leftover mushroom stems. The possibilities are endless, limited only by my imagination and the contents of my crisper drawer.
The process itself is meditative. The careful dusting of vegetables with cornstarch, the gentle swirling of batter, the patient wait as the delicate cakes fry to golden perfection – it’s a mindful practice. There's a sense of satisfaction that comes with creating something beautiful and delicious from what others might consider waste. It's the kind of recipe that allows you to disconnect from the daily grind, to focus on the present moment, and to connect with the simple pleasure of cooking. The crispy texture, the earthy flavors, the vibrant colors—it’s a culinary delight that nourishes both body and soul. And it's a quick and satisfying meal that makes me feel good about both my creativity and my commitment to a balanced lifestyle. More than just a recipe, it’s a mindful practice, a lesson in resourcefulness, and a delicious reward for all my efforts.
The concept of "gaman," the Japanese virtue of patient endurance, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this recipe. It reminds me that sometimes, the most rewarding results come from resisting the urge to rush the process. Letting the pancakes fry undisturbed, trusting the oil to do its work – it's a lesson that extends far beyond the kitchen. It teaches me the importance of patience, both in cooking and in life. As I flip those golden discs and watch them crisp to perfection, I’m reminded that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there is time and space for quiet moments of creativity and mindful appreciation. This is why this recipe has become a staple in my culinary routine: it combines flavor, efficiency, and a quiet sense of accomplishment that satisfies my needs beautifully.
Beyond the practical aspects, there's something deeply satisfying about creating a dish that’s both visually appealing and delicious. The lacy-crisp texture, the earthy flavors, the vibrant colors – they’re all a testament to the transformative power of simple ingredients. It's more than just a meal; it's a small act of rebellion against food waste, a reminder that even the humblest of ingredients can become something truly special. This dish, in its essence, reflects my approach to life – embracing the unexpected, finding beauty in simplicity, and savoring the moment.
Ingredients:
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/3 cup cold water
lemon or lime wedges
vegetable oil for deep-frying
