Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Sumo Stew

I know my mind works in rather mysterious ways,but for some reason I started wondering what sumo wrestlers ate or shall I say trained? for lack of a better word? I thought it would be interesting to look into,so now it is time to share in case any of you would also like to know.
Chankonabe is a Japanese stew (or one pot dish),is the base of the sumo wrestlers weight gain diet. It contains chicken broth soup base with sake to add flavor. Chankonabe also contains large quantities of protein sources,chicken quartered and skin left on,fried fish made into balls,tofu or sometimes beef and vegetables. While reasonably healthy,it is protein rich and served in mass quantities with beer and rice to increase caloric intake. It is traditionally served according to seniority,with the junior wrestlers getting whatever is left.
Chankonabe served at sumo tournaments is made exclusively with chicken,the idea being to stay on two legs like a chicken,not on all four.
Sumo is a simple sport,if you force your opponent to the ground or rice straw that surrounds the 15 foot ring you win. If any part of your body other than the soles of your feet touches the floor you lose. Because bouts are generally over in a few seconds,size matters.
Illustration by Keith Seidel

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