Kasaneni: A Beginner-Friendly Way to Make Japanese Food

Do you think Japanese food is difficult and only skilled cooks can make it? I am not very good at cooking. My five-year-old daughter sometimes says, “I like Dad’s cooking better.” But I found an easy way to make delicious Japanese food. This method is called Kasaneni. In this column, I will share this simple method that anyone can try.

Kasaneni is a cooking method where you layer ingredients in a pot and cook them. You add very little water. From the bottom up, you layer mushrooms, seaweed, leafy greens, root vegetables, and meat or fish on top. When you heat the pot with a lid on, moisture comes out of the vegetables and gently cooks everything. The flavors blend naturally. You do not need kombu or fish stock. With simple seasonings like soy sauce, salt, and miso, the dish becomes surprisingly flavorful. Even someone like me, who is not good at cooking, can make Japanese dishes at home.

I always thought miso soup was difficult to make, so I did not cook it very often. But when I tried Kasaneni, I realized I was wrong. When I took the first sip, I was surprised. Even without any stock, the soup had a rich flavor from the vegetables. The happiest moment was when my daughter said, “It’s delicious,” and asked for another bowl of soup. At that moment, I felt truly proud of myself.

Many people think Japanese food is hard to cook at home. But even I, who am not good at cooking, can make delicious Japanese food with Kasaneni. You do not need special tools or expensive ingredients. You only need a pot and vegetables from the supermarket. If you are interested in Japanese food, try Kasaneni. In your own kitchen, you can easily make simple Japanese dishes at home.