Gluten Free Shojin Ryori Japanese Cooking Class

Shojin Ryori is a vegetarian cuisine which is based mainly on rice, soybean products (e.g. tofu), seaweed, mushrooms and seasonal fresh vegetables and is traditionally eaten by Buddhist monks. It is similar to a vegan diet. Many amazing cooking techniques are unique and some of the dishes are not available at an ordinary Japanese restaurant.

This hands-on cooking class in Sydney will be held by Sumi Saikawa who was born and grew up at a Zen Temple in Japan where the techniques of Shojin Royori were learnt. Now she is working as a nutritionist and a cooking instructor to run many healthy cooking classes for adults and children.

The class will follow the typical Japanese home cooking style 'Ichi Jyu Sansai'. This follows the foundation of Japanese cuisine since ancient times where meals consist of one type of soup and three other dishes (one main dish and two sides). In fact, 'Ichi' means one and 'Jyu' means soup, while 'san' is three and 'sai' refers to dishes - so ichiju-sansai literally means, 'one soup, three dishes'. Rice is always served as well.

Over the course of the three-hour, hands-on class, we will work together to create each component of our ichiju-sansai. All components will be gluten-free and taught in a way so that you can easily replicate the recipes back at home.

This class is perfect for a vegan diet. Dishes include:

• Scattered vegetable sushi
• Seasonal soup
• Potato patty on Nori seaweed with homemade teriyaki sauce
• Spring cabbage with sesame dressing.
• White radish pickles

On top of your new knowledge of Japanese culture, you will learn:

• An introduction of Shojin Ryori (Japanese temple cooking)
• Basic etiquette of eating Japanese foods
• How to make Japanese vegan stock
• How to use traditional Japanese seasonings and alternative seasonings
• To understand the benefits and potential risks of a gluten-free diet

This class is suitable for people who are gluten intolerant, follow a vegan lifestyle or just have an interest in this cooking.

Please note: All ingredients will be gluten-free, however, the environment is not totally gluten-free.

This class is for anybody interested in Japanese cuisine. Beginners, intermediates, advanced - are all welcome!
 

• Delicious gluten-free and vegan Japanese lunch
• Great discussion with like-minded people
• Insight into Japanese culture
• Recipes for everything you make

Please bring your favourite apron, tea towels and a pen.