Miso Soup
Ingredients:
- 4-6 cups (1-1.5 liters) dashi (either kombu or bonito is fine)
- 1-2 tbsp mirin or ryorishu (optional)
- 4-6 tbsp miso paste
- 100-200g silken (kinugoshi) tofu, cut into 1/2 inch (~1.5 cm) cubes
- 1-2 tsp dried wakame
- 1 spring onion, sliced thinly
Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring the dashi to a boil and add the mirin.
- Stir in the wakame and let it rehydrate.
- Turn off the heat and allow a few minutes the dashi to cool (to approximately 95°C).
- Using a ladle, mix 4 tablespoons of miso into the soup to prevent clumping. Taste and add the remaining 2 tablespoons as necessary. Do not boil the miso. As an option, you can mix it through a strainer to discard any solid bits for a smoother final consistency.
- Add the sliced spring onions to the pot. Also add the tofu, but do that gently.
- Using a soup ladle, scoop the soup into individual bowls, taking care not to break the tofu. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes:
- The amount of miso required depends on the concentration of the dashi and the type and saltiness of the miso. It's better to taste and adjust upwards.
- The mirin is totally optional, but helps the flavor profile.