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Shojin dashi
Kombu and shiitake stock
Shōjin dashi (精進出汁): kombu and dried shiitake stock, the fish-free base of temple cooking
Zen temples in Kyoto and Kamakura build their whole cuisine on this stock: kombu kelp and dried shiitake soaked in cold water until the liquid turns golden and deeply savoury, with no bonito at all. It is the vegan dashi for miso soup, simmered vegetables, noodle broths and dipping sauces, and every vegetarian Japanese recipe on this site can use it. The common mistake is boiling the kombu, which releases slime and bitterness; it should never go beyond a gentle simmer, and taking it out just before boiling gives the cleanest flavour. Chef's tip: soak overnight in the fridge (mizudashi) for the best, roundest flavour with no effort, then keep the softened shiitake for a simmered dish.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
- ⅓ oz kombua piece about 10 × 10 cm; don't wash off the white powder
- 4 ¼ cups cold water
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Wipe ⅓ oz kombu gently with a damp cloth to remove any grit. Put it in a jug with 4 dried shiitake mushrooms and 4 ¼ cups cold water.
Step 2: Leave to soak for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 6–12 hours in the fridge, until the shiitake are soft and the water is pale gold.
30 minStep 3: For a quick, stronger stock, pour everything into a pan and heat slowly over a low heat for about 10 minutes. Lift out the kombu as small bubbles appear around it, just before boiling.
10 minStep 4: Simmer the shiitake for 5 minutes more, then strain. Use straight away, or chill for up to 3 days or freeze in portions for a month.
5 minStep 5: Squeeze and slice the shiitake and use them in a simmered dish or rice; the kombu can be cut into strips and simmered with soy and sugar into a relish.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 10 kcal
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbs
- 2 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fibre
- 0 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does shojin dashi take?
- About 20 minutes in total: 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- Can I make it ahead?
- Yes. It keeps well, so you can cook it earlier in the day or the day before and reheat it.
- What can I use instead of dried shiitake mushrooms?
- Aubergine, diced, same weight.
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