Butterbur Buds and Miso Dip with Toast Points

dosankodebbie

Sapporo, Hokkaido, JP

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Butterbur ("Fuki" in Japanese) grows wild in my backyard. The tender, slightly bitter buds (or shoots) last for only the briefest time before growing into tall stalks with one large flat leaf spread out at the top. The buds, along with other leafy young weeds, shoots, and buds, often feature in Japanese dishes celebrating the beginning of spring. This is my twist on a traditional butterbur-miso paste that is slathered on grilled rice balls or vegetables.