Ikasumi jiru

Ikasumi jiru is a traditional dish originating from Okinawa. This thick black soup is prepared with squid ink, three pieces of either chicken or pork, and nigana leafy greens. The stock is usually prepared from katsuo (skipjack). It is believed that squid ink has medicinal properties that cleanse the body from toxins, and in the past numerous Okinawan babies were fed ikasumi jiru as their first meal. After eating this soup, don't forget to wipe your lips because they will probably be very black.