Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu Recipe - Vegetarian Japanese Cuisine

Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu

Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu Recipe - Vegetarian Japanese Cuisine
Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 2 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu
Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu

Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu is a traditional Japanese dish that is both comforting and nutritious. This simple yet flavorful soup is perfect for a light lunch or as a starter for a larger meal.

History

Miso soup has been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries. It is typically made with dashi broth, miso paste, and various ingredients such as tofu, seaweed, and vegetables. Shiitake mushrooms are a popular addition to miso soup due to their rich umami flavor.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Slice the shiitake mushrooms.
  2. Slice up the green part of the scallion, to garnish later.
  3. Bring the water (with stock if desired) to a boil.
  4. Stir in the miso paste and mushrooms.
  5. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. Pour the mixture into a serving dish and sprinkle the scallion on top.
  7. Serve immediately.

Variations

  • Add in cooked noodles or rice for a heartier dish.
  • Experiment with different types of miso paste for varying flavors.
  • Include other vegetables such as spinach, bok choy, or carrots.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure not to boil the miso paste, as this can cause it to lose its flavor.

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

- For a heartier soup, consider adding cooked noodles or rice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu as a light lunch or as a starter for a Japanese-inspired meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe utilizes a simple simmering technique to infuse the flavors of the miso paste and mushrooms into the broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of mushrooms in place of shiitake mushrooms.

- Substitute tofu with cooked chicken, shrimp, or pork for added protein.

Make Ahead Tips

Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time for a quick assembly.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with sliced scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu alongside a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu contains approximately 50 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu contains approximately 2 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Miso soup is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, manganese, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy (miso) and gluten (if using vegetable stock with gluten).

Summary

Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense dish that is rich in protein and vitamins.

Summary

Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Enjoy this traditional Japanese soup as a light and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Japan. My grandmother, who was an incredible cook, taught me how to make this delicious soup one rainy afternoon.

We had just returned from the market with fresh ingredients, including miso paste, shiitake mushrooms, and tofu. My grandmother told me that miso soup was a traditional Japanese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. She explained that miso paste is made from fermented soybeans and adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup.

As we gathered around the kitchen table, my grandmother began to show me how to prepare the soup. She started by slicing the shiitake mushrooms into thin strips and cutting the tofu into small cubes. The aroma of the mushrooms filled the kitchen, and I could hardly wait to taste the finished soup.

Next, my grandmother brought a pot of water to a simmer and added the mushrooms and tofu. She let them cook together for a few minutes before stirring in the miso paste. As the soup simmered on the stove, the flavors melded together, creating a savory and comforting aroma that filled the kitchen.

I watched in awe as my grandmother expertly ladled the soup into bowls and garnished it with green onions. She handed me a spoon and encouraged me to take a taste. The first sip was like a revelation – the rich umami flavor of the miso, the earthy mushrooms, and the velvety tofu all combined to create a harmonious and delicious soup.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make the soup myself, and she was more than happy to pass down her knowledge to me. Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, who have all marveled at its simplicity and depth of flavor. Each time I make miso soup with shiitake mushrooms and tofu, I am transported back to that rainy afternoon in my grandmother's kitchen, learning a recipe that has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.

As I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of miso soup, I am grateful for the memories and traditions that have been passed down through the generations. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my heritage and honor the women who came before me. And this recipe for miso soup with shiitake mushrooms and tofu will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the love and care that went into teaching me how to cook.

Categories

| Firm Tofu Recipes | Japanese Recipes | Japanese Soups | Japanese Vegetarian | Miso Recipes | Shiitake Mushroom Recipes | Vegetable Stock And Broth Recipes |

Recipes with the same ingredients

(4) Figi
(2) Fufu