Meaning
雑煮 (ぞうに, Zōni) is Zoni, a Japanese food (soups and stews).
What is Zoni?
Zōni , often with the honorific " o- " as o-zōni , is a Japanese soup containing mochi rice cakes. The dish is strongly associated with the Japanese New Year and its tradition of osechi ceremonial foods. Variations: Stock: Zōni has numerous regional variations in Japan. In many regions, including the Kantō region, zōni consists of a clear soup called sumashi-jiru that is flavoured with dashi and soy sauce. In the Kansai region and eastern Shikoku, zōni is made with a stock of white miso, while in part of Fukui Prefecture, zōni is made with a stock of red miso. In the Tottori-Izumo region, a variety of red bean soup is used for zōni . Mochi: The preparation of the mochi for the dish also varies by region. In the Kantō and Tōhoku regions, the mochi is cut into squares and grilled before being added to the stock. In the Kansai and the Chūgoku regions, round, boiled mochi is generally preferred. In most of the Kyūshū region, round mochi is popular, but whether the mochi is grilled or boiled depends on the area. In some areas, taro or tofu is used instead of mochi. This type of zōni is found on some islands and mountainous areas where little rice is grown. Additions: Common additions to the soup include chicken, fish or meatballs, leafy vegetables such as komatsuna or spinach, mitsuba (a Japanese herb similar to parsley), and kamaboko varieties such as naruto. Carrot flakes can be added for color, and flakes of yuzu peel sometimes are added for fragrance. Regional specialities often are included. A sprinkle of shichimi sometimes is added at the table.