Mille-Feuille Nabe Hot Pot (Cabbage and Pork Belly) – 10 Days of Cozy One Pot Recipes

Welcome to Day 3 of our 10-day journey into the world of Cozy One-Pot Recipes!

Today, we’re diving into the heartwarming world of Japanese hot pots. These dishes are not only delicious but also bring a sense of comfort that’s perfect for those rainy nights in. Our star for today is the Mille-feuille Nabe, a beloved Japanese hot pot featuring delicate layers of napa cabbage and succulent pork belly slices! While it does require a touch of patience, the end result is undeniably worth every moment spent in the kitchen.

Why you will enjoy Mille-feuille Nabe

• Thousand Layers: The dish derives its name from the concept of “Thousand Layers,” where the cabbage and pork are meticulously arranged, allowing the flavours to meld together beautifully while being cooked
• Balanced Flavours: The natural sweetness of napa cabbage complements the rich, savoury notes of the pork belly, creating a harmonious and comforting flavour profile
• With Patience Comes Reward: While assembling the layers requires a bit of patience, the process is straightforward and immensely rewarding once you take that first flavourful bite
• Ponzu Sauce: Enhance the dining experience by serving the Mille-feuille Nabe with ponzu sauce, a tangy, citrusy condiment. You can either buy it or create your own using soy sauce, citrus juice, mirin, dried bonito flakes, and dashi powder!
• Versatile Ingredients: Aside from cabbage and pork, feel free to customize your Mille-feuille Nabe with additional vegetables, mushrooms, udon, or tofu to suit your taste preferences

Health Benefits of Napa Cabbage

• Low in Calories: One cup of chopped napa cabbage contains only about 13 calories
• High in Fiber: A good source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and regular bowel movements
• Rich in Vitamins:
  • Vitamin C: Acts as an antioxidant and supports the immune system
  • Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and bone health
  • Vitamin A: Important for vision and immune function
  • Various B vitamins: Contribute to metabolism and overall well-being
• Antioxidant Properties: Contains beta-carotene and flavonoids, helping to combat oxidative stress and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases
• Cancer Prevention: Compounds like glucosinolates may have cancer-fighting properties, aiding in detoxification and removal of potential carcinogens
• Bone Health: Vitamin K assists in calcium absorption and promotes bone mineralization
• Heart Health:
  • Fiber helps lower cholesterol levels
  • Potassium helps regulate blood pressure
• Hydration: High water content contributes to daily hydration needs
• Weight Management: Low-calorie, high-fiber content helps with satiety, potentially reducing overall calorie intake and aiding in weight management

Want more easy recipes like this? Here are some of my go-to recipes that I’m sure you’ll love!

• • Viral Sushi Bomb Spring Rolls (Kid Friendly)
  • Easy MATCHA Mochi Brownie Recipe (for matcha lovers)
  • Best Focaccia Bread Recipe
  • Easy Soy Cured Egg Yolk Recipe (and 3 ways to enjoy it!)

Check out my other 10 Days of Cozy One Pot Recipes!

• Day 1 – One Pot Masago Udon
• Day 2 – Viral Crispy Feta Fried Eggs

Mille-Feuille Nabe Hot Pot (Napa Cabbage and Pork Belly)

This simple and comforting Japanese hot pot dish is perfect for a rainy night in!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Japanese

Servings 2 people

Equipment

• 1 small pot

Ingredients

  

• 1 head small napa cabbage
• 210 grams pork belly slices roughly 20 thin slices
• 1.5 tsp dashi powder
• 1.25 cup hot water
• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp sake
• 2 tbsp ponzu sauce for dipping
• 1 bunch seafood mushrooms optional

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, combine water, dashi powder, soy sauce, and sake. Mix until combine.
• Cut a small head of napa cabbage in half lengthwise and make sure to keep the core together and intact.
• Wash the cabbage leaves gently without separating them from the core
• Dry the cabbage with paper towel and layer 1-2 pieces of pork belly in between each napa cabbage leaf.
• Once both halves are layered with pork belly slices, hold the cabbage together and cut off the core. Cut napa cabbage into 2-3 sections. Hold it tight and make sure to keep it together so they don't fall apart.
• Arrange each section in a circular shape inside the pot and pack it tightly. Ensure the middle is also packed with more napa cabbage or you can also use seafood mushrooms (or other veggies) as well.
• Pour your dashi mixture into the pot and put the pot on a stove. If you want it to be a traditional 'hot pot', place it on a portable stove!
• On medium heat, cover with lid and let the dashi boil and cook the pork belly slices and napa cabbage.
• When its fully cooked, you can eat each of the layers as is or dip it in ponzu sauce!
• When you're halfway done, you can also add udon or other noodles to the dashi broth to make the meal more satisfying.

Keyword dinner idea, healthy recipe, hot pot, japanese hot pot

I use the Our Place Always Pan 2.0 for most of my One Pot recipes. I highly recommend it!

And there you have it for Day 3 – our amazing Mille-Feuille Nabe! The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and light flavours, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Remember, a rainy night in can now be transformed into a cozy, flavourful experience with this remarkable hot pot.

I hope you’re inspired to try this recipe for yourself and don’t forget to comment on my IG reel/TikTok or in this blog post telling me what you thought of this recipe!

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Remember, this is just Day 3 of our 10-Days of Cozy One Pot Recipes, so make sure to follow @eatingwithkirby and and join my Youtube channel for Day 4!