Savory Miso and Shiitake Mushroom Soup
This Savory Miso and Shiitake Mushroom Soup is a delightful bowl of umami goodness that comes together in no time. Inspired by fine cooking techniques, this quick and simple recipe leverages the deep flavors of dried shiitake mushrooms and the nutrient-packed power of spinach. The addition of velvety silken tofu creates a satisfying texture, but feel free to customize this dish with your choice of proteins like cooked beef or chicken. Perfect for a light lunch or a cozy dinner, this soup is not only delicious but also a nourishing choice that can easily be doubled or tripled for serving a crowd. Enjoy this versatile, wholesome dish that warms the soul!
N/A
Servings
125
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried shiitake mushrooms
2 (soaked and sliced thinly)
fresh spinach leaves
1/2 cup (washed)
medium silken tofu
1/2 cup (cubed)
cold water
3 cups (for boiling)
dark miso (red or brown)
2 1/2 tablespoons (mixed with broth)
scallion tops
2 tablespoons (sliced)
toasted sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon (for drizzling)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan, combine the cold water and dried shiitake mushrooms. Bring the mixture to a boil.
2
Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and take out the mushrooms.
3
Remove the stems from the mushrooms (discard them) and slice the caps thinly.
4
Return the sliced mushrooms to the pot with the boiling water, bringing the mixture back to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 15-20 minutes to infuse the flavor.
5
Add the fresh spinach leaves and diced silken tofu to the soup, simmering for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
6
Remove the saucepan from heat once the spinach is tender.
7
In a small bowl, combine the dark miso with 2 tablespoons of the warm broth from the soup. Mix well until smooth.
8
Stir the miso mixture into the soup, ensuring it is fully incorporated.
9
Serve the soup hot, garnished with sliced scallion tops and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
15g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Miso and Shiitake Mushroom Soup?
It is a quick and simple umami-rich soup featuring dried shiitake mushrooms, fresh spinach, and velvety silken tofu.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe as written is vegetarian-friendly and uses plant-based ingredients like tofu and miso.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 125 calories per serving.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
This recipe specifically calls for dried shiitake mushrooms to provide a deep, savory flavor.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Yes, you can easily customize it by adding cooked beef or chicken if you prefer more protein.
How long do the mushrooms need to simmer?
After slicing the caps, simmer the mushrooms in the water for 15 to 20 minutes to fully infuse the flavor.
What type of miso is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using dark miso, such as red or brown, for a more robust taste.
How do I prepare the shiitake mushrooms?
Boil them in water, then remove the stems (which are discarded) and thinly slice the caps before returning them to the pot.
When do I add the fresh spinach?
Add the spinach after the mushrooms have finished simmering, and cook for only 1-2 minutes until wilted.
What is the recommended texture of tofu?
Medium silken tofu is recommended to provide a satisfying, velvety texture to the soup.
Can I use fresh shiitake mushrooms?
While dried mushrooms are used for their concentrated flavor, you can use fresh shiitake, though the taste profile will be lighter.
Why should I mix the miso in a separate bowl first?
Mixing the miso with a small amount of warm broth first ensures it is smooth and incorporates evenly without clumping.
How much water is needed?
The recipe requires 3 cups of cold water.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 4 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving contains 8 grams of protein.
Are there many carbohydrates in this dish?
This soup contains 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick and simple recipe that comes together in no time.
Can I make this soup for a large group?
Yes, the recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
What garnishes are suggested?
Garnish with sliced scallion tops and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for extra flavor.
What should I do with the mushroom stems?
The stems of dried shiitake mushrooms are usually tough; you should remove and discard them.
How long does the spinach take to cook?
The spinach only needs to simmer for about 1 to 2 minutes until it is tender.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nourishing choice packed with nutrients from spinach and mushrooms.
Can I use light miso instead of dark?
You can, but dark miso is preferred for the specific deep umami profile of this soup.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: dried shiitake, spinach, tofu, water, miso, scallions, and sesame oil.
Is this soup suitable for a light lunch?
Yes, it is perfect for a light lunch or as a cozy dinner option.
What is the purpose of the toasted sesame oil?
It adds a final layer of toasted, aromatic flavor to the dish.
How much miso do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 tablespoons of dark miso.
How should I cut the tofu?
The silken tofu should be diced or cubed into small, bite-sized pieces.
What flavor profile does this soup have?
It is described as a bowl of umami goodness with savory and earthy notes.
Does the soup contain fiber?
While the exact amount isn't listed, the spinach and mushrooms provide natural dietary fiber.