Tonjiru (豚汁)
Tonjiru is a comforting and hearty Japanese soup made primarily with pork and miso broth, filled with a variety of vegetables. The word “Ton” means pork, and “Shiru” (or “Jiru”) means soup, making it a pork-based soup.
Unlike traditional miso soup, which typically contains only a few ingredients, tonjiru is packed with vegetables, making it filling and nutritious. Common ingredients include carrots, onions, potatoes, and konjac, along with pork and miso paste for a rich, savory flavor.
Tonjiru is often considered a nostalgic and comforting dish in Japan, reminding people of gatherings and events. It’s a versatile dish, and if you’re not able to eat pork, you can easily substitute it with chicken or skip the meat altogether for a flavorful vegetable-based soup.
Personal memory :
Tonjiru reminds me of my youthful days. I remember that I used to eat this dish outside with everyone at various events. And the most unforgettable memory was when my family visited our grandparents’ house in the country side of Fukushima, we cooked Tonjiru with cousins and relatives and eat outside together! After eating, we all had fresh water melon from their field and played fireworks at night. It was so much fun and one of the precious memories for me! Yes, Tonjiru is definitely special dish for me forever!
Recipe :
– Tonjiru