Japanese Vegan Cooking Class Featuring Koji & Shiitake Dashi

A Japanese Vegan cooking class will be held on Saturday, November 7 at 1 PM at Taste Eatery in Lake Forest, focusing on plant-based Japanese cuisine through traditional fermentation techniques.

This class highlights how Koji and vegan Japanese dashi (soup broth) can create deep umami flavors without the use of animal products. Participants will gain practical skills for preparing Japanese vegan dishes that are both satisfying and approachable for everyday cooking.

Class highlights include:

• Introduction to Koji and plant-based dashi
• Hands-on preparation of Japanese vegan dishes
• Shared sit-down meal following the class

Open to vegans, vegetarians, and anyone interested in Japanese cooking or plant-forward meals.

📍 Location: Taste Eatery, Lake Forest
💲 Cost: $79 (lesson and meal included)

Registration and details:
https://www.kojiandmore.com/service-page/japanese-vegan-cooking-with-koji-dashi

🍱 MENU — All Gut-Friendly, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Fermentation-Focused

1. Miso Soup with Kombu (kelp) & Shiitake Dashi: A comforting miso soup made with plant-based dashi, highlighting the gentle sweetness of seasonal vegetables and/or mushrooms.

2. Japanese Cucumber Pickle with Salt Koji and Shiso [a.k.a. Tsukemono]: Refreshing Japanese pickles enhanced with salt koji and Shiso leaves, packed with probiotics and antioxidants.

3. Tofu & Seaweed Salad with Sesame Miso Dressing: A light yet nutrient-rich salad, balanced with a creamy sesame-miso dressing.

4. Mushroom Takikomi-Gohan: A hearty mixed rice dish with assorted mushrooms, highlighting their deep umami and nutritional benefits.

5. Koji Amazake (pre-made dessert drink served with your meal): Taste a naturally sweet, nourishing dessert drink made with just koji and rice.

STATION SETUP: You will be cooking in teams! Groups of 2–3 will share their own station. Solo attendees will be paired with a partner. Larger groups (4+) will be split across adjacent stations to ensure everyone has plenty of elbow room to cook!