{
  "id": 2703765,
  "title": "Japanese Chef Shows Off Steamed Eggplant Dish Using Miso, Grapes Perfect for Hot Weather",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/japanese-chef-shows-off-steamed-eggplant-dish-using-miso-grapes",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-23T03:30:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun",
    "slug": "the-japan-news-by-the-yomiuri-shimbun",
    "url": "https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/features/delicious/20260823-344412/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Japanese chef Yoshihisa Akiyama suggests a chilled \"dengaku\" dish for hot summer days. This dish features steamed eggplant topped with grapes lightly mixed with white miso. Dengaku typically refers to a dish where miso is spread on tofu or vegetables and grilled, but Akiyama's version uses steaming to keep the dish light and refreshing. The recipe calls for plump round eggplants, which have a firmer texture than long eggplants. To prepare, remove the stem and skin, soak the eggplant in salted water, then cut it lengthwise into eight wedges and round off the edges. Soak again and steam for 8 minutes before chilling. The dish is finished with a mixture of white miso and Delaware grapes, which are peeled and combined with the steamed eggplant. Toasted cashew nuts and deep-fried tofu are added for crunch, and yuzukosho pepper paste provides a spicy finish. This visually appealing and flavorful dish pairs well with cold white wine, champagne, or a highball, making it perfect for entertaining guests on hot summer days.",
  "summary": "For a refreshing summer dish, Yoshihisa Akiyama, executive chef of a Japanese cuisine restaurant, proposes a chilled “dengaku” featuring steamed round eggplant topped with grapes lightly mixed with white miso. Its cool taste and vibrant appearance make it ideal for summer.",
  "key_points": [
    "Chef Yoshihisa Akiyama creates chilled dengaku dish for summer.",
    "Steamed eggplant topped with white miso and Delaware grapes.",
    "Dish served with toasted cashew nuts, deep-fried tofu, and yuzukosho pepper."
  ],
  "editors_take": "This chilled dengaku dish offers a refreshing twist on traditional Japanese cuisine, making it well-suited for hot summer days and pairing well with various beverages for entertaining guests.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}