🍲 Nishin to Takenoko no Nitsuke (Simmered Herring and Bamboo Shoots)

“Nishin to takenoko no nitsuke” is a dish made with dried herring and bamboo shoots simmered in a sweet and savory sauce. Tochigi prefecture is located inland, and local people were not able to enjoy fresh fish until refrigerators were introduced. “Migaki nishin” is dried herring with the entrails and head of the fish removed. It was an important source of protein in the days that fresh fish were hard to come by because it could be preserved. Another name for “Nishin to takenoko no nitsuke” is “ta-ue nishin” (=rice planting herring) as simmered herring was served at the start of the rice planting season and after. The herring goes well with bamboo shoots and this dish is now enjoyed as an everyday dish as it tastes delicious with rice.