Re: chankonabe

[Martin Hughes <mhughes@fhs.csu.McMaster.CA>]

On Wed, 1 Feb 1995 rushwrth@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca wrote:

> 
> Now, will anyone (everyone) share their favourite chanko recipes?
> Preferably tested. I've gleaned a few from books but I'm having a hard 
> time toning them down to feed 2-4 people, none of whom weigh more than 
> 70kg and would like to stay that way :)
> 

I seem to remember that this has been mentioned before, and that with his
usual skill and insight, Abe-san provided a detailed response (btw, I can
now read Abe-san's messages!).  However, just as a point which you can use
to convince your unwilling friends...

It is not the CONTENT of the chankonabe whic is eaten, or even to some
extent, the quantity (if you look at the ingredients, they are almost
always low on fats) which is responsible for the famous sumo physique.  It
is however the METHOD in which the meal is eaten - ie. after exercise, and
right before sleep.  The take-home message is that if your friends wish to
retain their 70kg apperance, then they should not eat directly before
sleeping!

The only Chankonabe I had which could have claimed a high fat content was
one with a sort of fish dumpling in the stew - the fish appeared to be one
of the 'oily' varieties.  I cannot imagine (ie. have not seen) it is
possible to get beef in Canada with the same fat content as the Japanese
Kobe (to bring in a different, tragic thread) beef - so I really do not
think you and your freinds really have much to worry about!

Eat and Enjoy!

Cheers

Martin Hughes
Dept. Biochemistry
McMaster University
Hamilton: ONT: Canada