KASU-JIRU

Feb 12, 2020 | Kitchen Culture, Winter | 2 comments

Salmon Saké Kasu Chowder

粕汁
SAKÉ KASU-JIRU

A belly-warming salmon and root vegetable chowder, shaké no kasu-jiru, is standard wintertime fare throughout Japan’s northeastern region, the Tohoku.

Every household seems to have its own rendition, but with this master recipe in hand (Salmon kasu-jiru BASIC RECIPE) you can create your own house version. ENJOY!

NOTHING goes to waste in the Japanese kitchen!

Saké kasu, the fermented lees that are a by-product of brewing saké, are used to season a delicious, chunky chowder that frequently becomes the main course at family suppers in the Tohoku (Northeast) region of Japan. Saké kasu is often sold in flat sheets called ita kasu, or in broken chunks. Look in the refrigerated case of your local Asian grocery.

Using Food Fully

Using Food Fully

Meals planned around a single ingredient prepared in many ways are referred to as tsukushi (or zukushi) 尽くし menus. The verb tsukusu means "to use, or consume, entirely." This no-waste approach is both a frugal and practical way to cook, making the most of what is...

The Language of Learning

The Language of Learning

Although we are all born with some innate capabilities, we also must LEARN in order to survive and thrive. Different cultures manage learning differently. The Japanese language has two verbs that can be used when talking about acquiring information and experience....

Oysters

Oysters

Throughout the world, oysters have been a popular food source since ancient times. Archeologic evidence in Japan, in the form of kaizuka (shell mounds), dates to the Jōmon period (14,000-300 BCE). Oysters had been abundant for millennia and harvested in their natural...

Kagami Mochi

Kagami Mochi

At New Years’ time, the Japanese decorate their homes with a special display called KAGAMI MOCHI. There are many regional variations on the theme but typically two large rounds of omochi rice taffy are stacked with a daidai 橙 (bitter orange) on top. The arrangement is...

Recent Posts & Projects