Koji alchemy : rediscovering the magic of mold-based fermentation
Publication Information
White River Junction, Vermont : Chelsea Green Publishing, [2020]
Physical Description
xiii, 335 pages, [16] pages of plates : illustrations (some color) ; 24 cm
Summary
"Koji Alchemy guides readers through the history and diverse application of koji, the microbe behind the delicious, umami flavors of soy sauce, miso, mirin, and so much more. Devoted authors Jeremy Umansky and Rich Shih share processes, concepts, and recipes for fermenting and culturing foods with this magical ingredient. Then they take it to the next level by describing how they rapidly age charcuterie, cheese, and other ferments, revolutionizing the creation of fermented foods and their flavor profiles for both chefs and home cooks. Readers will learn how to grow koji, including information on equipment and setting up your kitchen, as well as detailed concepts and processes for making amino sauces and pastes, alcohol and vinegar, and using it for flavor enhancement with dairy, eggs, vegetables, and baking. With the added tips and expertise from their friends, Umansky and Shih have developed a comprehensive look at modern koji use around the world"--
Contents
- What Is koji?
- Creating a common koji language
- The flavor-making road map
- How to grow koji
- Expanding your koji making
- Short-term enhancement: quick koji applications
- Amino pastes
- Amino sauces
- Alcohol and vinegar
- Aging meat and charcuterie
- Dairy and eggs
- Vegetables
- Sweet applications and baking.