


[Tsujiwa Kanaami's Drop Lid]
Do you use a drop lid when making simmered dishes? While it is a familiar tool in Japanese kitchens, you might feel that you could get by without one. On the other hand, taking that extra step feels like casting a magic spell that makes the dish truly delicious.
The role of a drop lid is to gently yet firmly settle ingredients that tend to float in the pot, such as daikon radish, taro, and pumpkin, while allowing the cooking liquid to circulate. By ensuring the ingredients are well-submerged, they cook evenly, and as the liquid circulates, the flavors meld together perfectly. Since Japanese simmered dishes involve infusing flavor into the ingredients using a small amount of liquid, the drop lid plays a quiet but significant role. Its round shape, designed to fit along the sides of the pot without obstructing the flow, makes it a perfectly logical tool for simmering.
Traditional wooden drop lids are known for their light and soft touch. Nowadays, metal versions are also common, and “Tsujiwa Kanaami's Drop Lid” is one of them.
Tsujiwa Kanaami is a long-established specialty shop in Kyoto that carries on the tradition of Japanese wire netting, long beloved by both households and professional chefs. The mesh, woven from thin stainless steel wire, contacts the ingredients at specific points rather than across a flat surface. This mesh structure keeps the ingredients pressed down while maintaining the convection of the cooking liquid. Being made of stainless steel, it is easy to wash and does not retain odors when switching between different dishes, making it extremely practical for everyday use. Additionally, there is a small handle in the center, and you can lift the loop using the included rod. This action might remind you of the “yo-yo fishing” game at Japanese festivals, bringing a little bit of joy to your cooking routine.
Tsujiwa Kanaami's Drop Lid, with its simple form and effective function, significantly elevates the finish of simmered dishes. As you continue to use it, you will likely find yourself reaching for it instinctively, and it will become an indispensable part of your kitchen.
Tsujiwa Kanaami's Drop Lid M
https://www.shokunin.com/en/tsujiwa/otoshibuta.html
Nakamura Douki's Dantsuki Pot
https://www.shokunin.com/en/nakamuradouki/seiro.html
Koishiwara ware's Tobikanna Gosunzara
https://www.shokunin.com/en/koishiwara/


