Shredded Burdock in Tangy Sesame Sauce

Served as an appetizing condiment alongside rice or alone with sake, this side dish or salad is called tataki gobo in Japanese. The word tataki means “to pound” or “to beat” and also means “joy aplenty.” Here, the burdock is parboiled and then pounded to prepare this healthful and restorative dish that is traditionally served during the long New Year holiday in Japan.