Miso Soup

Makes 2 cups, Serves 2

Ingredients

For the dashi (or substitute 2 cups water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth):

2 cups water

1 (2-inch) piece kombu (dried black kelp)

1/2 cup loosely packed dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi), optional

For the miso soup:

4 ounces silken or firm tofu, drained

1 to 2 medium scallions

2 tablespoons red or white miso paste

Instructions

Prepare the tofu and scallions. Cut the tofu into very small cubes, 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch on each side. Slice the scallions very thinly.

Bring the broth to a rapid simmer. Pour the dashi or broth back into the saucepan and bring to a rapid simmer over medium-high heat.

Mix the miso with 1/2 cup hot broth. Place the miso in a small ramekin or measuring cup. Scoop out about 1/2 cup of the broth and pour it over the miso. Whisk with a fork or whisk until the miso is entirely dissolved in the water and no lumps remain.

Pour the miso into the broth. Pour the dissolved miso into the simmering broth.

Add the tofu. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the tofu to the miso. Simmer just enough to warm the tofu, 1 to 2 minutes. Do not boil the miso once the tofu has been added.

Add the scallions. Just before serving, scatter the scallions over the top of the soup.

Serve in individual bowls. Pour the miso into individual bowls and serve. Miso is best when served fresh. It will settle a bit as it sits in the broth; whisk briefly with chopsticks or a spoon to mix the soup again.

Recipe Notes

Miso: Any type of miso can be used to make miso soup. Restaurants typically use red miso to make their miso soup.

https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-miso-soup-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-13786