Savory Walnut Miso Spread
Elevate your vegetable dishes with this rich and flavorful Savory Walnut Miso Spread, inspired by the Just Bento blog. This versatile paste, full of umami, serves as a perfect drizzle or dip for blanched, steamed, or boiled vegetables like green beans and Brussels sprouts. Just a half teaspoon of this savory blend can transform your greens into a delicious delight! You can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for future use, making it a convenient addition to your culinary repertoire. Made primarily with light brown miso and toasted walnuts, this spread is enhanced with the sweetness of mirin and raw sugar, creating a well-rounded taste experience that is both savory and slightly sweet. Alternative ingredients are also provided to accommodate your pantry staples, allowing you to tailor this recipe to your needs.
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shelled walnuts
1/2 cup (toasted and skinned)
Miso
1 tablespoon (dark brown recommended)
Mirin
1 tablespoon (none)
Raw sugar
1/2 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by toasting the shelled walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them frequently and keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as burnt walnuts will impart a bitter flavor.
2
Once toasted, transfer the walnuts to a paper towel and gently rub them to remove most of their skins. This process helps to achieve a smoother paste.
3
Place the skinned and toasted walnuts in a food processor. Pulse them until you reach your desired texture, whether that's a finer paste or a chunkier spread.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the processed walnuts with the miso, mirin, and raw sugar. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth, cohesive mixture.
5
To serve, add a small amount of the walnut miso spread to your steamed vegetables. Start with half a teaspoon, as it packs a flavorful punch, and adjust to taste if necessary.
6
Store any leftover spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the paste in small portions.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
4g
Carbs
2g
Protein
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Walnut Miso Spread?
Savory Walnut Miso Spread is a rich and flavorful umami-packed paste made from toasted walnuts, miso, mirin, and sugar, ideal for seasoning vegetables.
How do I toast the walnuts for this recipe?
Toast the shelled walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat while stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Why should I remove the skins from the walnuts?
Removing the skins after toasting helps create a smoother paste and prevents the bitter flavor that skins can sometimes impart.
How do I easily skin toasted walnuts?
Transfer the warm toasted walnuts to a paper towel and gently rub them; most of the skins will flake off easily.
What is the best way to achieve the desired texture?
Use a food processor and pulse the toasted walnuts until you reach either a fine paste or a chunkier spread, depending on your preference.
What type of miso is recommended for this spread?
While light brown miso is commonly used, dark brown miso is recommended for a deeper, more robust flavor profile.
Is this walnut miso spread vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it consists of walnuts, fermented soybean paste, rice wine, and sugar.
How long can I store the spread in the refrigerator?
You can store the spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can this miso spread be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the paste in small portions for longer storage and future use.
Which vegetables pair best with this spread?
It serves as a perfect drizzle or dip for blanched, steamed, or boiled vegetables like green beans and Brussels sprouts.
How much spread should I use per serving?
Because it is highly flavorful, start with just half a teaspoon per serving of greens and adjust to your taste.
What are the primary flavor notes of this recipe?
The spread offers a well-rounded taste experience that is deeply savory (umami) with a slight sweetness from the mirin and sugar.
What can I substitute for mirin?
If mirin is unavailable, you can use a splash of water with a bit more sugar, or a sweet white wine or sherry.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
The recipe calls for raw sugar, but you can use granulated white sugar, brown sugar, or even maple syrup as an alternative.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
What is the fat content of this spread?
There are 7 grams of fat per serving, mostly coming from the healthy fats in the walnuts.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 4 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this spread provide any protein?
Yes, it provides about 2 grams of protein per serving.
Is there any sugar in the recipe?
The recipe contains 1 gram of sugar per serving.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the culinary creations found on the Just Bento blog.
Can I make this spread without a food processor?
Yes, you can finely mince the walnuts with a knife or use a mortar and pestle to grind them into a paste.
How many ingredients are required?
This is a simple 4-ingredient recipe consisting of walnuts, miso, mirin, and raw sugar.
Is this recipe considered a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe because it involves simple toasting and mixing steps.
Does the recipe contain any cholesterol?
No, this plant-based recipe is cholesterol-free.
What is 'umami' in the context of this recipe?
Umami refers to the savory, 'fifth' taste provided primarily by the fermented miso and toasted nuts.
Can I use pre-toasted walnuts?
You can, but freshly toasting them ensures the best flavor and makes it easier to remove the skins.
What should I do if the walnuts burn?
If the walnuts burn, it is best to start over as burnt walnuts will make the entire spread taste bitter.
Can this be used as a dip for raw vegetables?
While traditionally used for cooked vegetables, it also works wonderfully as a thick dip for raw carrot or cucumber sticks.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most miso and mirin are gluten-free, but you should check individual labels to ensure they do not contain barley or wheat-derived ingredients.
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
While walnuts provide a specific earthy flavor, you could experiment with pecans or macadamia nuts for a different variation.