2021 A Japanese Culinary Journey

So we have a confession to make here at Cottage Foods…. We have become slightly obsessed with Japanese cuisine. It started with the opening of a local Sushi place near our office, which sparked some imagination, but from there we have gone down the rabbit hole into Japanese cuisine and all it has to offer… we almost feel stupid thinking back to our initial googling of Sushi…. That was just the tip of the iceberg.

Our obsession has begun deliving into all of the core ingredients used in Japanese cusineine, we have shared some of our favourites tried and tested so far below… 

Ponzu:

This beautiful and delicate citrus, tangy and umami-rich sauce, is dark in colour but adds layers Soy sauces cannot, perfect as a marinade, dipping or drizzle sauce. This condiment is made with citrus juice (traditionally an Asian citrus variety known as yuzu in Japan), rice vinegar, mirin (which adds sweetness), commonly soy sauce or tamari (known as ponzu shōyu but generally just called ponzu), katsuobushi flakes (dried shredded tuna), and kombu (sea kelp). 

We have fallen in love with The Lycopins Tomato Yuzupon Ponzu Sauce, which will be available at Cottage Foods from January 2021.

Furikake: 

Now this is something else! Furikake, or furikake seasoning, refers to a range of dried, normally mixed seasonings made especially for sprinkling on top of rice. As a unique type of Japanese seasoning furikake comes in a wide range of flavours, including wasabi furikake (with dried wasabi as a main ingredient), nori komi furikake (containing tiny pieces of seasoned nori seaweed), shiso furikake (made from seasoned, dried, and crushed red perilla leaves), and salmon furikake (with dried salmon crumbs). 

Furikake may also contain dried omelette pieces, roasted sesame seeds, bonito fish flakes, and even matcha green tea on occasion.

Added to different dishes Furikake can increase flavours and add heat to the pallet. 

We have just listed our absolute favourite Yawataya Umeboshi & Chilli Furikake to Cottage Foods repertoire 

There is much more for us to share, but for now we hope you get the chance to savour and try some of the above