5 easy and delicious ways to cook with kelp
What's the story
Kelp, a type of seaweed, is the latest sustainable and nutritious ingredient making waves in the culinary world. Rich in umami, the savory fifth taste, kelp provides a unique flavor profile that enhances a variety of dishes. This article delves into five creative ways to use kelp in your kitchen, highlighting its versatility and potential to elevate vegan cuisine.
Broth enhancement
Boost your broths and soups
Kelp can add a rich depth of flavor to broths and soups, making them taste like they've simmered for hours, but without using any animal products. By simmering pieces of dried kelp in your vegetable broth for just 10-15 minutes, you can infuse it with a satisfying umami flavor. This trick works wonders for Asian-inspired soups or any recipe that could use a savory boost.
Sushi revolution
Elevate your vegan sushi
Adding kelp to your vegan sushi creates that elusive taste of the sea present in traditional sushi rolls. Simply use finely chopped or powdered kelp combined with rice vinegar, and then fold it into your sushi rice to infuse that authentic ocean flavor. This technique elevates basic vegetable rolls into a taste experience that closely mirrors traditional seafood sushi, making it a game-changer for both vegans and non-vegans.
Umami sprinkle
Create kelp-based seasonings
Making your own kelp-based seasoning is a simple way to bring the power of umami to any dish. Just dry roast dried kelp until crisp, then grind it into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Combine this powder with other seasonings like salt, garlic powder, and paprika to create an all-purpose umami seasoning blend. Try it on popcorn, salads, or roasted veggies. Yum!
Dressing delight
Innovative salad dressings
Kelp can also be used to create unique and flavorful salad dressings. Simply soak dried kelp until soft and blend it with ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and herbs to make a creamy dressing that adds not only flavor but also nutrients to your salads. The subtle sea taste pairs well with fresh greens and vegetables for an upgraded salad experience.
Cheesy umami
Enhance plant-based cheeses
If you're experimenting with dairy-free cheese and finding it lacks that aged complexity, try adding a secret ingredient: kelp. Blend rehydrated kelp into your favorite nut-based cheese recipe or sprinkle dried kelp flakes on your homemade vegan cheeses before fermenting them. This adds a layer of umami that makes plant-based cheese more satisfying for those craving traditional dairy flavors.