Adding flavor with nori flakes

Always on the lookout for new exciting groceries to experiment with, I picked up this packet of nori flakes the other day. Nori is the toasted seaweed that is used to wrap sushi rolls, and these flakes are basically just like tiny pieces of those sheets. I got these at a natural foods store in my neighborhood, but they are easy to find at Asian grocery stores, too.

These little flakes can be used to add a touch of salty, oceany, almost nutty flavor to a variety of foods. I’ve been trying them on almost everything: salads, soups, tofu, rice, and stir-fry. Sometimes the flavor can overwhelm other flavors in a dish, so I’m learning to use it sparingly. In the right amounts, it can really help complete simple dishes.