For thousands of years, sea vegetables have been a staple of Japanese cuisine, with dozens of varieties infusing the local diet with distinct flavors and high levels of minerals and vitamins. Of all sea vegetables, however, konbu—a kind of edible kelp—stands out for its above-average flavor-enhancing capabilities and incredible health benefits.

Dried shiitake mushrooms, with a satisfying chew and full-bodied taste, are a boon to any recipe. In addition to their contributions in the flavor department, dried shiitake pack a nutritional punch, providing vitamin D, dietary fiber, potassium, and folate among other nutrients.