Temperatures are dropping and now is the perfect time to enjoy soul warming Japanese dishes such as soups and nabes. Read a Japanese cookbook, and you’re bound to come across dashi, a soup stock or broth that is perhaps the quintessential Japanese ingredient.

Ingredients:

• Dashi (try making your own or use an instant variety as per below)
• Sliced onions
• Butter or oil for sautéing 

• Mixed vegetables (frozen works fine if you don't have time!)

Instructions:

1. Sauté sliced onions in butter or oil. 
2. Add 300mL of dashi. If using instant dashi, add 300 mL of water then the dashi. 3. Bring to a light boil. 
4. Add your choice of mixed vegetables.
5. Pour in a bowl and enjoy while warming your soul!

About the author: Teni Wada appreciates the simplicity and versatility of Japanese cooking ingredients and enjoys recreating her mother-in-law's dishes. A foodie at heart, she is always on the lookout for seasonal snacks and drinks to share on Twitter (@wadateni). You can also find Teni Wada on Instagram (@wadateni) and her lifestyle blog, babykaiju.com where she documents motherhood in Japan.