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Hi Reader,

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You know I’m all about making Japanese cooking feel easy, intentional, and doable, even on the busiest days.

And this week’s recipe? It’s my favorite kind of cooking: the kind where the fridge does all the work.

Introducing: Cold Brew Dashi (水出しだし / Mizudashi Dashi), a hands-off way to make clean, flavorful Japanese soup stock without ever touching the stove.

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💌 Curious what you missed? Browse past newsletters and catch up anytime!

🍳New Recipe: Cold Brew Dashi

Learn how to make 6 fridge-friendly dashi recipes, including:

• Kombu Dashi
• Shiitake Dashi
• Vegan Awase Dashi (Kombu + Shiitake)
• Traditional Awase (Kombu + Katsuobushi)
• Katsuo Dashi
• Niboshi Dashi

Whether you're vegan, pescatarian, or just want a shortcut to elegant umami, there’s something for everyone.

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💫Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Great for beginners: No special tools, no fancy kombu, just simple steps and great flavor.
• No heat needed: Just soak your ingredients overnight in the fridge.
• Perfect for summer: Clean, gentle flavor without heating up your kitchen.
• Meal-prep friendly: Make once, enjoy all week.
• Customizable: Use different ratios and ingredients for soups, sauces, and simmered dishes.

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Get the recipe

💡Don’t Waste the Dashi Leftovers

Japanese cooking is rooted in the mottainai spirit, appreciating ingredients and reducing waste.

Here are a few ways to repurpose spent dashi ingredients:

• Mix kombu or shiitake into rice for quick onigiri
• Simmer them into tsukudani (sweet-salty preserves)
• Dry and grind into furikake for rice topping
• Add to miso soup or homemade ponzu
• Or store them for later and make dashi soy sauce!

💬Let's Chat

Have a favorite way to use dashi in your kitchen? Or a Japanese dish you’ve been curious about?

Hit reply and let me know! Your question might be featured in next week’s newsletter 😊

And if you try one of these cold brew recipes, tag me on Instagram @givemeumami or send me the pic(s). I’d love to see your dashi jars!

Thanks so much for being here.
Wishing you a warm and delicious week 🍙

- Kurumi

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P.S. Next week’s recipe is a quick, crowd-pleasing Yakisoba you can whip up in under 35 minutes. Stay tuned for easy noodles and bold flavor!

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