Shungiku to shimeji no ohitashi / garland chrysanthemum and shimeji mushrooms in light broth

Shimeji becomes more flavorful from cooking in ohitashi marinade rather than simply blanching, giving it just enough flavor to stand up to the tanginess of shungiku garland chrysanthemum.

Lunch on a hike, June 6, 2012

• Onigiri rice balls with umeboshi pickled plum, wrapped with nori seaweed
• Onigiri rice balls with scrambled egg and umeboshi pickled plum, wrapped with nori seaweed
• Water

Onigiri rice balls are our choice for food on the go. They are filling, won't crumble, and your hands stay clean.

Piiman no nikumaki teriyaki / sweet-pepper beef roll with teriyaki sauce

A treat for Tom -- colorful and juicy peppers rolled up in a thin slice of beef. The easy-to-eat form and strong teriyaki flavor make this dish common for bento or picnics.

Fuki to atsuage no nimono / Japanese butterbur and deep-fried tofu in light broth

Here is a dish that makes me wonder how atsuage can taste so soft and good... It absorbs the flavors of both broth and accompanying ingredients (fuki, in this case) over time, and releases them in your mouth as you bite in.

Inarizushi / sushi in tofu packets

Sushi rice bagged in usuage deep-fried tofu packets. By combining somewhat sweet sushi rice with usuage cooked in salty sweet broth, this tasty dish becomes truly satisfying. It is one of the typical rice dishes parents prepare for kids’ school events – at least when I was young. Great for picnics, parties and potlucks.

Abogado to mango, sakana no sotee sarada, raimu doresshingu / avocado, mango and sauteed fish salad with lime dressing

A summery combination of avocado and mango with lime and cilantro for a southern touch. Sauteed fish makes this salad substantial.

Horenso no namuru / spinach namul salad (garlic flavor)

Garlicky magic? A large handful of spinach will quickly disappear into your stomach.

1/2 of recipe (with 200 g spinach):
43 calories; 2.8 g protein; 2.2 g fat; 4.3g carbohydrate; 1.1 g net carbs; 54 mg sodium (with 50% reduced-sodium soy sauce; 93 mg sodium with regular soy sauce); 0 mg cholesterol; 3.2 g fiber