Chinese Vegetable Miso Soup

Chinese Vegetable Miso Soup Recipe - Vegetarian Food from China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chinese Vegetable Miso Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. This soup is packed with a variety of vegetables, tofu, and miso paste, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Miso soup is a traditional Japanese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The addition of Chinese vegetables to this classic dish adds a unique twist and creates a fusion of flavors that is both comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

1 tbsp sesame oil
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 medium carrot, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup vermicelli
1 medium turnip, diced
2 bunches scallions, chopped
1.5 cups mushrooms, chopped
0.75 cup snow peas
1 cup mung bean sprouts
2 tbsp dry sherry
1 tbsp rice or white vinegar
2 tofu cakes, diced
4 tbsp miso

How to prepare

Bring 5 cups of vegetable stock to a boil.
Lower the heat and add sesame oil, celery, carrot, and garlic.
Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
In the meantime, cook the noodles separately until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Add turnip and the white parts of scallions to the stock pot.
Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the rest of the ingredients except tofu, miso, and noodles and simmer, covered, until cooked.
Add the noodles and tofu.
Remove from heat.
Dissolve miso thoroughly in 0.5 cup of warm water.
Stir into the soup.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, protein sources, or spices to create a unique and flavorful dish that suits your taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the vegetables in the broth for the appropriate amount of time to ensure they are cooked through but still retain their crunch.

- Dissolving the miso paste in warm water before adding it to the soup will help prevent clumping and ensure a smooth consistency.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources to make it your own.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chinese Vegetable Miso Soup as a light lunch or dinner option, accompanied by a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include simmering the vegetables in the broth, cooking the noodles separately, and dissolving the miso paste in warm water before adding it to the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all the ingredients on hand, feel free to substitute with your favorite vegetables, protein sources, or noodles to create a dish that suits your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

This Chinese Vegetable Miso Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish this soup with a sprinkle of chopped scallions or a drizzle of sesame oil for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This Chinese Vegetable Miso Soup pairs well with a side of steamed rice, a fresh salad, or a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Chinese Vegetable Miso Soup contains approximately 250 calories, making it a light and healthy meal option that won't weigh you down.

Carbohydrates

This Chinese Vegetable Miso Soup is a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your day. The vegetables and noodles in this soup contribute to the carbohydrate content, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Fats

The sesame oil in this soup adds a delicious nutty flavor and healthy fats to the dish. Fats are essential for overall health and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied after a meal.

Proteins

Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein and is a key ingredient in this Chinese Vegetable Miso Soup. Protein is important for muscle repair and growth, as well as overall health and wellness.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, tofu, and miso paste. These nutrients are essential for overall health and can help support your immune system and keep you feeling your best.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy (tofu) and gluten (vermicelli), so be sure to check for any allergies or dietary restrictions before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this Chinese Vegetable Miso Soup is a nutritious and delicious meal option that is packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients to keep you feeling satisfied and energized.

Summary

Chinese Vegetable Miso Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. Packed with a variety of vegetables, tofu, and miso paste, this soup is sure to please your taste buds and keep you feeling satisfied and energized. Enjoy this flavorful and comforting dish as a light lunch or dinner option that is both delicious and nutritious.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chinese Vegetable Miso Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, and every dish she whipped up was a masterpiece.

One day, as I sat at the kitchen table watching her chop vegetables with precision and grace, she suddenly turned to me and said, "Would you like to learn how to make Chinese Vegetable Miso Soup today?" My eyes widened in excitement as I nodded eagerly.

My grandmother began by explaining the origins of the recipe. She told me that she had learned it from a Chinese friend who had traveled to Japan and brought back the secret to making this delicious soup. The combination of Chinese and Japanese flavors intrigued me, and I couldn't wait to see how it all came together.

We started by gathering the ingredients - carrots, bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, tofu, miso paste, and vegetable broth. My grandmother emphasized the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor. As we chopped and diced the vegetables, the kitchen filled with fragrant aromas that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

Next, we heated up a pot on the stove and added the vegetable broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. My grandmother explained that miso paste should never be boiled, as it can lose its flavor and nutritional benefits. Instead, we dissolved the miso paste in a separate bowl with some hot broth before adding it to the pot.

As the soup simmered, my grandmother added the vegetables one by one, starting with the carrots and mushrooms. She showed me how to layer the flavors, allowing each ingredient to shine through in every spoonful of soup. The bok choy and tofu came last, gently simmering in the broth until they were tender and infused with the miso flavor.

Finally, my grandmother ladled the soup into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. The vibrant colors and rich aroma of the soup made my mouth water, and I couldn't wait to dive in.

As I took my first spoonful of Chinese Vegetable Miso Soup, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures that I had never experienced before. The umami-rich miso paste paired perfectly with the earthy mushrooms and crisp vegetables, creating a harmony of tastes that danced on my taste buds.

My grandmother smiled as she watched me savor every spoonful, knowing that she had passed down a cherished recipe that would be loved by generations to come. I thanked her for sharing her culinary wisdom with me, and she patted my hand affectionately, saying, "Cooking is more than just following a recipe - it's about putting your heart and soul into every dish you create."

And so, the recipe for Chinese Vegetable Miso Soup became a staple in my own kitchen, bringing comfort and joy to my family and friends. Every time I make it, I remember the sense of wonder I felt that day in my grandmother's kitchen, and I am grateful for the legacy of love and tradition that she passed down to me.