Harusame

Meaning spring rain, harusame is a fine, translucent filament made from various starchy roots such as potato and sweet potato, or sometimes green beans. Starch, mixed with boiling water, is made into a gluey mixture, then extruded through fine holes into boiling water. It is then further boiled to harden it, cooled quickly and freeze-dried into crisp, fine filaments. It is available in dried form in packets from Asian supermarkets. Harusame is soaked in tepid water for 5 minutes and used for salads or soups. When the dried harusame is fried it expands to a fluffy white “bird’s nest". To produce this effect, crush it into pieces, then use as a “batter” for frying fish and vegetables to make an unusual tempura. Store dried harusame in an airtight packet in a cool, airy place.