Chadian-Inspired Tanuki Soba

Ingredients

In this Chadian-inspired version of Tanuki Soba, we incorporate Chadian spices and ingredients to give the dish a unique twist. The original Japanese dish is typically made with dashi broth, tempura flakes, and green onions. In our adaptation, we replace the dashi broth with a flavorful Chadian-inspired broth infused with local spices. We also substitute the tempura flakes with toasted peanuts for a crunchy texture and add Chadian herbs and vegetables to enhance the flavors. These modifications create a fusion of Japanese and Chadian cuisines, resulting in a truly special dish. We alse have the original recipe for Tanuki soba, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7oz) soba noodles 200g (7oz) soba noodles
• 4 cups (950ml) Chadian-inspired broth 4 cups (950ml) Chadian-inspired broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (150g) green beans, trimmed and halved 1 cup (150g) green beans, trimmed and halved
• 1 cup (150g) mushrooms, sliced 1 cup (150g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional for non-vegetarian version) 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional for non-vegetarian version)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Toasted peanuts, crushed (for garnish) Toasted peanuts, crushed (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 8g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground ginger, paprika, cumin, and coriander to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
4. 4.
   Add the julienned carrot, sliced bell pepper, green beans, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly tender.
5. 5.
   Pour the Chadian-inspired broth into the pot and bring to a simmer. Add the soy sauce and fish sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Allow the broth to simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Divide the cooked soba noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the Chadian-inspired broth and vegetables over the noodles.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and crushed toasted peanuts.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Soba noodles — Cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions, but make sure not to overcook them as they can become mushy. Rinse them under cold water after cooking to remove excess starch and prevent sticking.
• Chadian-inspired broth — Prepare the broth by simmering a combination of vegetable stock, Chadian spices (such as cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom), and aromatics (such as onions, garlic, and ginger) for a rich and flavorful base.

Tips & Tricks

• For a heartier version, add cooked chicken or shrimp to the dish.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less ground paprika to suit your taste preferences.
• To enhance the umami flavor, sprinkle some sesame seeds over the dish before serving.
• If you prefer a thicker broth, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the simmering broth.
• Experiment with different vegetables based on seasonal availability and personal preference.

Serving advice

Serve the Chadian-Inspired Tanuki Soba hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the colorful vegetables on top of the soba noodles and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and crushed toasted peanuts. The vibrant colors and contrasting textures will make the dish visually appealing.