Shio Butter Chanko Nabe Japanese sumo wrestlers cook and eat chanko nabe at their stable every day. That's the source of their strength. While chanko nabe refers to any types of hot pot eaten by sumo wrestlers, the most typical style is chicken as a main protein and cooked in chicken broth. It's because chicken stands on two legs like human beings, so it is considered to bring good luck (in sumo, you lose if your hands touch the ground). Chanko nabe typically makes a very nutritious and balanced meal, as you cook a wide variety of healthy ingredients in one pot. The sumo wrestlers are big, because they eat so much of it every meal! In my version, I cook chicken meatballs and vegetables in simple salt-flavored chicken broth, and add butter cubes right before serving. The aroma is so irresistible and the flavor is superb. As a shime (finishing course), I suggest ramen noodles to cook in the remaining broth. Equipment Medium-size Classic-style Donabe (2.5-qt/ 2,500 ml or larger) Servings 4 Ingredients (Tsukune / Chicken Meatballs) 1 pound (450 g) ground chicken 1 tablespoon sake 3 tablespoons beaten egg 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper 1 tablespoon katakuriko (potato starch) 6 cups (1,500 ml) Japanese chicken stock 1/4 cup (60 ml) sake 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 1/2 - 2 teaspoons sea salt 1/2 head small green cabbage, cut into 1/2
