Making Dashi at Home:

If there is one thing that transformed my cooking journey into a more Simple Inspired Japanese style of eating, it was learning how to make dashi.

Dashi is not complicated.

It is not expensive.

And once you start making it regularly, even simple meals feel comforting and intentional.

Today I’m making dashi for the week because I use it constantly:

• miso soup

• noodle bowls

• sauces

• simmered vegetables

• curry

• quick soups

For me, having dashi ready in the refrigerator is like having homemade broth always prepared — it makes meals easier, healthier, and faster.

What Is Dashi?

Dashi is a light Japanese soup stock traditionally made from ingredients rich in umami.

The most common ingredients are:

• kombu (kelp)

• bonito flakes

• dried sardines

• mushrooms

But for everyday cooking, many people use convenient dashi packs.

That is what I use most often because it fits my lifestyle and keeps things simple.

My Basic Dashi Recipe

For each batch you will need:

• 8 cups water

• 4 dashi packs

Directions

1. Fill a pot with 8 cups of water

2. Add 4 dashi packs

3. Bring almost to a boil

4. Lower heat and let simmer gently 5 minutes

5. Remove the dashi packs

6. Let cool before storing in jars in the refrigerator

I personally make two batches at a time for the week, which gives me about 1 gallon of dashi.

You may only need one batch, or you may want to make more depending on your family size and how often you use it in soups, noodles, rice dishes, or simmered vegetables during the week.

Why I Love Keeping Dashi Ready

One of the biggest changes in my kitchen has been replacing “instant meals” with simple prepared basics.

When I already have:

• cooked rice

• dashi

• miso paste

• a few vegetables

• tofu or fish

…I can make a comforting meal in minutes.

This has helped me:

• waste less food

• spend less money

• avoid takeout

• eat more balanced meals

• make cooking feel calmer

Dashi, Miso Soup, and Menopause Support

As someone in menopause, I’ve also noticed that building more simple Japanese-inspired meals into my routine helps me feel more balanced and nourished.

While dashi itself is very light, the meals built around it often include:

• mineral-rich seaweed

• fermented foods like miso

• tofu and soy products

• vegetables

• hydration from warm soups

These types of meals may help support:

• hydration

• digestion

• steady energy

• easier light meals during hot flashes

• overall nutrient intake

Warm broth-based meals also feel gentler on days when appetite is low or sleep has been rough.

One thing I appreciate is that these meals feel comforting without feeling heavy.

For me, it has become less about dieting and more about creating simple nourishing habits that support this season of life.

Simple Dashi Options

I’ll link below:

• The dashi packs I personally use

https://a.co/d/05PQmWRJ