broth made with kombu crossword – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "broth made with kombu crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
DASHI: A fundamental Japanese stock or broth, typically made from kombu (dried kelp) and often katsuobushi (dried, fermented, and smoked skipjack tuna), though simple kombu dashi uses only kelp.
More About "broth made with kombu crossword"
The clue "broth made with kombu" almost universally points to Dashi, the quintessential Japanese stock that forms the backbone of countless traditional dishes. It's not just any broth; Dashi is revered for its unique umami flavor, a savory taste that deepens and harmonizes other ingredients in dishes like miso soup, noodle broths, and various sauces.
Kombu, a type of edible kelp, is the star ingredient for a significant portion of Dashi's flavor profile. When steeped in water, kombu slowly releases glutamates, which are responsible for the rich umami. This patient extraction process is crucial for a clean, nuanced flavor that can't be replicated by quick boiling. Beyond Dashi, kombu is also used in other Japanese culinary applications, such as a pickling agent or as a garnish.
While many types of Dashi incorporate other ingredients like katsuobushi (bonito flakes), dried shiitake mushrooms, or niboshi (dried sardines), the presence of kombu is a defining characteristic for what is considered authentic dashi. Understanding the role of kombu helps unlock this crossword clue and deepens appreciation for Japanese cuisine.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Focus on Keywords: Clues like "broth made with kombu" are very specific. Identify the main ingredients or defining characteristics (e.g., 'kombu') to narrow down possibilities.
- Consider Cuisine: If the clue points to a specific food item or ingredient, think about its origin. 'Kombu' strongly suggests Japanese cuisine, guiding you towards relevant terms.
- Check Letter Count First: Once you have a potential answer, always verify its length matches the available spaces in your grid. This is often the quickest way to confirm or eliminate an option.
- Utilize Cross-References: If you're stuck on a particular clue, try solving intersecting clues first. These can provide crucial letters that unlock harder answers or confirm your suspicions.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kombu in the context of cooking?
Kombu is an edible kelp (seaweed) widely used in East Asian cuisine, especially in Japan. It's a key ingredient for making dashi, a fundamental stock that forms the base for many Japanese dishes, prized for its rich umami flavor.
Why is 'Dashi' the common answer for 'broth made with kombu'?
Dashi is the traditional Japanese broth where kombu is a primary ingredient, alongside katsuobushi (bonito flakes) for some variations. The simplest form of dashi, kombu dashi, is made purely by simmering kombu in water, making it the perfect fit for this crossword clue.
Are there different types of dashi?
Yes, there are several types of dashi, including Ichiban Dashi (primary dashi, often kombu and katsuobushi), Niban Dashi (secondary dashi, made from the same ingredients after ichiban), Kombu Dashi (just kombu), Shiitake Dashi (vegetarian, made with dried shiitake mushrooms), and Iriko/Niboshi Dashi (made with dried anchovies or sardines).