墨染豆腐
Sumizome dōfu
Ink-Dyed Tofu
English Interpretation
Use black sesame or ink. Arrange tofu quietly and pour black-colored broth or sesame over it. Like ink-dyed cloth — a color of tranquility.
原文 · Original (1782)
黒胡麻、または墨汁を用ゐるべし。豆腐を静かに盛りて、黒き色の汁または胡麻を掛けるべし。墨染めの如く、静寂の色なり。
Transliteration
Kuro-goma, mata wa sumi-jiru wo mochiizu beshi. Tōfu wo shizuka ni mori te, kuroki iro no shiru mata wa goma wo kake ru beshi. Sumi-zome no gotoku, seijaku no iro nari.
Notes & Annotations
Sumizome (墨染) literally means 'dyed with ink.' The term evokes the Buddhist robes dyed in subdued ink tones, and also references the Sumizome area of Kyoto.
English Recipe
Ingredients
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silken tofu 豆腐 1 block (350 g)一丁 Chilled
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black sesame seeds 黒胡麻 3 tablespoonsToasted and ground
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dashi stock 出汁 150 mlWarm
Method
Serves 2
1. Toast 3 tablespoons black sesame seeds in a dry pan over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
2. Grind the toasted seeds in a suribachi (mortar) until you reach a paste with a few small pieces still visible — do not grind to a complete powder.
3. In a small saucepan, warm 150 ml dashi over low heat.
4. Stir the sesame paste into the dashi until fully combined, creating a dark, creamy sauce.
5. Place a block of chilled silken tofu in a serving bowl.
6. Pour the black sesame sauce slowly over the tofu, allowing it to coat the top and sides.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature with a small spoon for eating.
Sumizome ('dyed with ink') evokes the subdued beauty of Buddhist robes and Zen aesthetics. Black sesame provides both the dark color and a subtle, nutty depth that intensifies the tofu's mild sweetness.
1. Toast 3 tablespoons black sesame seeds in a dry pan over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
2. Grind the toasted seeds in a suribachi (mortar) until you reach a paste with a few small pieces still visible — do not grind to a complete powder.
3. In a small saucepan, warm 150 ml dashi over low heat.
4. Stir the sesame paste into the dashi until fully combined, creating a dark, creamy sauce.
5. Place a block of chilled silken tofu in a serving bowl.
6. Pour the black sesame sauce slowly over the tofu, allowing it to coat the top and sides.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature with a small spoon for eating.
Sumizome ('dyed with ink') evokes the subdued beauty of Buddhist robes and Zen aesthetics. Black sesame provides both the dark color and a subtle, nutty depth that intensifies the tofu's mild sweetness.