Okonomiyaki (Japanese-style pizza)

Okonomiyaki might be hard to say, but it is far from hard to make. It's basically like making a large pancake out of coleslaw. Confused yet? Well keep reading! The process of making okonomiyaki is very similar to making pancakes. You make a batter, pour some on a hot oiled pan, cook it, flip it, and viola! It's done!

So if it's like a pancake, why is it called a "Japanese-style pizza"? That's because the fun of okonomiyaki comes with its ability to be completely customized like a pizza. You can add whatever toppings and sauce you desire to make a dish that is unique and tailored to your own personal flavor profile. Personally I think bacon is a must to toss onto your okonomiyaki. And when served with a mix of chipotle aioli and okonomiyaki sauce, topped with fresh avocado, it is amazing!

The other reason I like this dish is because it is a great way for me to sneak more vegetables into my kids' dinner without them even knowing it! They gobble this stuff up every time and, little do they know how many veggies I just crammed in their full little bellies. It's a new family favorite in my household and I hope it will soon be in yours!

Okonomiyaki

Ingredients:
1/2 pound cabbage, shredded
2 medium/large carrots, shredded
1/2 green onion, diced
2 tablespoons milk
3/4 cup dashi (about 1 teaspoon dashi granules in 3/4 cup hot water)
1 cup flour
2 eggs
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Okonomiyaki sauce or Worcestershire sauce
3 strips of bacon, diced
*Extra mayo for seasoning
*Additional "toppings" such as: leeks, mushrooms, bell pepper, avocado, etc.
*Other sauces such as: ketchup, chipotle aioli, Sriracha, etc.

*optional

Cut the cabbage and carrots into thin strips (or use a food processor if you want to speed things up). Combine dashi, flour, eggs, milk, baking powder, mayonnaise, butter, and vegetables in a large bowl. Stir well.

Heat vegetable oil in a pan on medium-high heat and add in about a 1/2 cup (or more depending on how big you want to make it) of the vegetable batter mix. Sprinkle a few uncooked bacon pieces on the top side of the "pizza". Now is also the time you would add any other additional toppings you want (except for any fresh toppings you may want such as tomato or avocado). When the "pizza" looks slightly firm around the edges, flip the "pizza" over to cook the bacon side.--Cook it as if you're making a large pancake.

When both sides are thoroughly cooked, remove the "pizza" from the pan and drizzle with Okonomiyaki sauce (or Worcestershire sauce) and serve. You can also make any variations you would like such as adding chipotle aioli sauce and fresh avocado, Sriracha and a fried egg, or a Japanese classic: mayonnaise!

Serve hot.