Kaiseki ryori is a type of traditional Japanese cuisine that is served in courses. It is known for its delicate flavours, and the use of fresh seasonal ingredients. The word “kaiseki” actually refers to the stone hearth that was traditionally used to cook the food. Nowadays, kaiseki ryori is often served at formal occasions such as banquets or business meetings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dashi
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 8 cups water
- 1 (14-ounce) package firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced
- 1 carrot, peeled and cut into thin strips
- 1/2 head cabbage, cored and cut into thin strips
- 1 bunch green onions, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup white miso
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Method
1. In a small bowl, whisk together dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Set aside.
2. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the tofu, mushrooms, carrot, cabbage, and green onions. Cook for 3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Drain and return the vegetables to the pot.
3. Add the dashi mixture and miso to the pot. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the miso has dissolved. Stir in the rice and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Potential changes & improvements
If you’re looking for a bit more of a protein boost, you could add some cooked chicken or seafood to this dish. You could also swap out the tofu for a different type of protein, such as tempeh or chicken.
As far as vegetables go, feel free to mix and match according to what you have on hand or what’s in season. Some other good options include bok choy, snow peas, or broccoli.
What other food it works well with
This dish goes well with a variety of other Japanese dishes, such as sushi, sashimi, or tempura. It would also be delicious alongside a simple miso soup.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake when making kaiseki ryori is to overcook the vegetables. Be sure to cook them just until they’re tender, as any longer will result in them losing their bright colours and becoming mushy.
Another mistake is to use too much miso. When combined with the other flavours in this dish, a little miso goes a long way. Use a light hand when adding it to the pot.
Nutritional Information
One serving of this dish contains approximately:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 1260mg
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 7g
Allergens
This dish contains soy, wheat, and sesame.