| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 50 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 267 | 0.4g | 0.1g | 63g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 2g | 5g | 1.2g |
Growing up in the wide-open spaces of Montana has granted me a unique perspective on food. My culinary journey marries the best of Midwestern rancher’s favorites with indigenous Native American recipes. However, as a gourmet enthusiast, not all my recipes revolve around wild game like bison or huckleberry pies. There is a particular dish that fits this narrative, my Kombu and Shiitake Mushroom Rice. This Asian-inspired recipe is not only a bombardment of flavors, but also a testament to my unending quest to incorporate fresh, exciting, and healthy ingredients into my dishes.
Nature’s Bounty, Nature’s Pharmacy
The beauty of the Kombu and Shiitake Mushroom Rice is its simplicity and the inherent health benefits of its core ingredients. Shiitake mushrooms are known for their rich, savory taste and diverse health properties. They support cardiovascular health, are a great source of essential minerals, and have been linked to improving immune functions (source). On the other hand, Kombu, an edible kelp, is packed with fiber, potassium, calcium, iron, and iodine. Combining these ingredients, we create a dish that is nourishment for both the body and the palate.
A Symphony of Flavours
The Kombu and Shiitake Mushroom Rice combines the umami essence of shiitake mushrooms and the delicate oceanic taste of kombu. And it doesn’t stop there. The added hint of sake, the gentle sweetness derived from sugar and mirin, and the full-flavor punch of soy sauce harmonize to create a melody of flavors that is sure to leave you asking for seconds. It’s a beautiful fusion of taste experiences, a successful flirtation of oriental and west coast culinary nuances.
If you love dishes like ginger and sesame rice or miso soup, then this recipe will surely wow your taste buds. It pairs well with a variety of dishes. You could supplement it with a crunchy sesame chicken for a delightful Asian feast, or take a more fusion route and serve it alongside a juicy steak.
It is recipes like this that have made me fall in love with the culinary world. Each ingredient adds its own voice to the choir, creating a symphony of flavors that enhance, challenge, and comfort. And, in a world where we are all looking for ways to eat healthier, it doesn’t hurt to know that this mouthwatering meal is also a delivery system for a variety of nutritional benefits. So, whether you are an avid home cook looking for variety or a health aficionado aiming to keep your meals exciting, follow the journey, take the plunge, and explore this spectacular Kombu and Shiitake Mushroom Rice recipe.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups sushi rice
- 1/3 cup dried shiitake mushrooms
- 1 piece of kombu (about 3 inches long)
- 4.5 cups water
- 2 tablespoons sake
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup mirin
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Method
Step One
Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove the excess starch. This will result in a rice that is less gluey and more delicious.
Step Two
Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in a bowl with warm water for about 20 minutes or until they are rehydrated. Once rehydrated, squeeze out the excess water from the mushrooms and set aside.
Step Three
In a large pot combine the sushi rice, kombu, rehydrated shiitake mushrooms and 4.5 cups water. Leave it to soak for about 30 minutes.
Step Four
After the rice has soaked, put the pot over medium heat and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Step Five
While the rice is cooking, in a small saucepan combine the sake, soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. Place it over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and set aside once it’s done.
Step Six
After 20 minutes, remove the rice from the heat but keep the lid on. Let it steam for an additional 10 minutes.
Step Seven
After the rice has finished steaming, remove the lid, take out the kombu, and drizzle the soy sauce mixture over the rice. Gently mix to combine everything without mashing the rice.
Step Eight
Finally, if desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds as garnish before serving. Enjoy this delicious Kombu and Shiitake Mushroom Rice!
