Miso Soup Recipe
This traditional miso soup recipe brings together the deep umami of kombu, shiitake mushrooms, and bonito flakes with the mild sweetness of white miso, creating a comforting and flavourful dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 litre water
- 1 piece ma kombu (about 4 inches)
- 4-5 organic dried shiitake mushrooms
- 1/2 cup Wadakyu katsuobushi bonito flakes
- 3 tablespoons white miso paste
- Optional: sliced spring onions, tofu cubes, or wakame seaweed for garnish
Method:
1. Prepare the Dashi (Soup Stock):
Place the ma kombu and dried shiitake mushrooms in a pot with 1 litre of water. Let them soak for about 30 minutes to rehydrate and release their flavours.
After soaking, bring the pot to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not let it boil, as boiling can make the kombu bitter. Once you see small bubbles, remove the kombu from the pan.
Continue simmering the shiitake mushrooms for another 5-10 minutes, allowing them to fully release their umami into the broth. Then, remove the mushrooms and set them aside (you can and add them back to the soup later if desired).
2. Add the Bonito Flakes:
Turn off the heat and add the katsuobushi bonito flakes to the pot. Let them steep for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavours to infuse into the dashi.
Strain the dashi to remove the bonito flakes, leaving you with a tasty clear broth.
3. Mix in the White Miso:
In a separate bowl, add a small amount of the hot dashi to the white miso paste and stir until it becomes a smooth, runny consistency. This helps dissolve the miso evenly.
Add the miso mixture back into the pot of dashi, stirring gently. Warm through but be careful not to boil the soup after adding the miso, as high heat can destroy the delicate flavours and beneficial enzymes.
4. Add Optional Garnishes:
If desired, add sliced spring onions, tofu cubes, wakame seaweed, or the reserved sliced shiitake mushrooms to the soup. These can be lightly fried in sesame oil before including for additional flavour.
5. Serve:
Ladle the miso soup into bowls and enjoy warm.
A pinch of Togarashi Shichimi spice mix is the perfect finishing touch!
You can also download this recipe card
