Miso Soup

Miso soup is an accompaniment to most Japanese meals and found in almost any sushi restaurant.  Miso is a fermented product made from rice, barley, or soybeans.  It comes in white, golden and red.  The white is milder with a sweeter flavor and the red’s flavor is more intense with a sour flavor.  White miso is fermented for the least amount of time. 

5 c.................. Water

1 piece.......... Kombu

2 c.................. Bonito Flakes

¼ c................. Miso Paste

1.    Cut kombu into 1” pieces and place in a pot with water.

2.    Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until kombu is soft.

3.    Add bonito flakes pushing them into the water with a spoon.

4.    After 3 minutes strain through a strainer with cheesecloth.

5.    Return liquid to low heat and add the miso.

6.    Simmer until miso dissolves.

7.    Strain through a strainer removing larger chunks.

Garnish with small cubes of silken tofu and some chopped green onions for a basic miso soup.  You can add seaweed, vegetables or chunks of meat/seafood to make the soup hardier.  

Be creative, have fun and enjoy!!!