# Grilled akebi stuffed with miso / Grilled akebi with oil ｜ Our Regional Cuisines

**Cuisine Name**: Grilled akebi stuffed with miso / Grilled akebi with oil

**Region**: Our Regional Cuisines

## Main Lore Areas
All of Yamagata Prefecture

## Main Ingredients Used
Akebi(=Chocolate vine), Maitake mushrooms, Shimeji mushrooms, Miso, Sugar

## History, Origin, and Related Events
"Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" has taken root as an indispensable local delicacy for the people of Yamagata Prefecture, with its sprouts edible in spring and its fruits in autumn. The vines are used for vine crafting and other purposes."Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" cultivation became popular in Yamagata Prefecture in the 1970s and 1980s. "Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" grown in Tendo City was well received in the Kanto region, and its cultivation began in earnest. The Murayama and Okitama regions are the main production areas, and the prefecture as a whole boasts the highest production level in Japan. The appearance of the seeds varies slightly depending on the type and strain, such as light purple or pink, and they also serve to add color to the dining table.While the white part around the seeds is generally eaten nationwide, Yamagata Prefecture has a unique culinary culture in which the skin is eaten. "Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" has a bittersweet flavor and is served in a variety of dishes such as grilled akebi stuffed with miso, simmered dishes, salad, tempura, and nuta-age.

## Opportunities and Times of Eating Habits
"Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" season is from mid-August to mid-October. "Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" is a seasonal ingredient that is served at least once or twice during the season in inland households. For the locals, "Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" is not something they go out of their way to buy at the supermarket, but rather something they gather from the hills behind their homes, grow in their gardens, or receive from their neighbors. "Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" peels are dried in the sun and preserved for use in stews and other dishes."Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" is said to be a versatile fruit that has nothing to throw away, and there was a time when oil was extracted from the seeds.

## How to Eat
Before cooking, remove the seeds from the "Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" and pat dry with a dish towel. Stuff ground meat and maitake mushrooms with miso or sugar, then tie them in "Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" peel and carefully grill them before eating.Akebi peels have a bittersweet flavor, but the combination with miso makes them easier to eat. The skin, like eggplant, is well seasoned, and when it is stir-fried or simmered, the flavor seeps out when you bite into it, making it delicious.

## Efforts for Preservation and Succession
(Outline of traditions, preservation societies, social media use, modern approaches for commercialization etc.)As evidenced by its high production, "Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" is a familiar foodstuff to the people of Yamagata Prefecture. Many people gather "Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" from nearby villages. In addition to "grilled "Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" stuffed with miso," various other "Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" dishes have been handed down through the generations.

## Ingredients
- Akebi(=Chocolate vine): 4 pieces
- Maitake mushroom: 50g
- Shimeji mushroom: 50g
- Myoga: 5 pieces
- Miso paste: 1 and 1／2 tbsp.
- Sugar: 2 tsp.
- Oil (for frying): 1 and 1／3 tbsp.
- Oil (for baking): 2 tbsp.
- kite string: 

## Recipe
1. 1. Remove the seeds from the inside of the "Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" with a spoon and use only the skin. If the mouth is closed, split open along the center stripe. Clean and drain the "Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" peels.
2. 2. Wash mushrooms, drain and tear into small pieces. Cut myoga into thin strips.
3. 3. Heat oil for frying in a pan, fry mushrooms, add myoga when wilted, cook quickly, add miso and sugar and boil until moistened.
4. 4. When the ingredients of 3 have cooled, stuff them into "Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" skin and tie the mouth closed with tako-ryo (octopus thread).
5. 5. Heat oil in a frying pan, add "Akebi(=Chocolate vine)", cover and cook, turning occasionally.

## Provider Information
provider : Yamagata prefecture

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