JAPANESE HOME COOKING: Simmered chicken with root vegetables

A dish of simmered chicken and root vegetables known as "chikuzen-ni" is the perfect choice for festive occasions. "A fail-proof way is to sautee and simmer in a frying pan," says Yoko Munakata of the Better Home Association. Dashi stock is not required since the "umami" flavor of each ingredient creates a rich flavor as a whole. Some of the ingredients may be omitted for everyday meals but chicken, burdock and dried shiitake are musts. Serves four.