Traditional Japanese Food Cooking

COOKING CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Experience the heart of Japanese home cooking in this class that highlights the deep umami of traditional dashi and the transformative power of fermented seasonings. From a comforting clam miso soup to a colorful mushroom rice dish, every recipe showcases how simple ingredients become extraordinary with koji, miso, and other fermented flavors. This nourishing dinner menu is designed to support both delicious eating and gut health. MENU: 1. Clam Miso Soup with Traditional Dashi – A soothing miso soup made with homemade dashi and fresh clams, rich in minerals and umami. 2. Salt Koji Tsukemono with Shiso & Kombu (Cucumber & Napa Cabbage) – Refreshing, lightly fermented pickles enhanced with the refreshing shiso leaves and nutrient-rich kombu. 3. Steamed Salt Koji Chicken with Shiso, Umeboshi, & Koji Seasonings – Juicy chicken marinated in salt koji, pan-steamed, then topped with shiso and tangy plum for a refreshing twist. 4. Mushroom Flavored Rice with Brown Rice [a.k.a “Maze-Gohan”] – A wholesome mixed rice dish featuring earthy mushrooms and nutty brown rice, naturally rich in fiber and umami. 5. Matcha Koji Amazake – A naturally sweetened, gut-friendly drink that blends Japanese tea with amazake. GUT HEALTH BENEFITS: - Fermented foods (miso, koji seasonings, amazake): Provide enzymes and probiotics that aid digestion and help balance the gut microbiome. - Prebiotic fibers (brown rice, mushrooms, vegetables): Nourish beneficial bacteria, improve bowel regularity, and support gut stability. - Nutrient-dense ingredients (clams, shiso, matcha): Deliver minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that strengthen immunity and reduce oxidative stress. - Holistic balance: Combines flavor and nutrition to gently nurture both gut health and overall well-being. THIS CLASS FOCUSES ON: - How to make traditional Japanese dashi for miso soup and flavored rice - The power of Japanese fermented seasonings: * Salt Koji * Soy Sauce Koji * Miso * Ama Koji * Koji Amazake - Cooking techniques such as steaming for maximum flavor and nutrition. WHO THIS CLASS IS FOR: - Home cooks eager to learn how to make authentic miso soup from scratch - Anyone interested in discovering the gut-health benefits of Japanese fermented foods - Food lovers who want to bring more umami and nourishment into their meals - Beginners and experienced cooks looking to expand their Japanese cooking skills