This is a traditional Japanese recipe that contains the quintessence of umami - a staple in any Japanese dish. It's a comforting soup with a savoury broth of miso paste-fermented soybean paste substance that may have colour and taste from light and sweet to dark and robust. Here's a comforting miso soup recipe for you. Miso used in the soup typically comes in two forms: white (Shiro) and red (aka); again, although different, both add a depth of flavour to any meal. Here's a simple recipe of miso soup you'll love. Miso soup is generally prepared with dashi as the starting point, which is a broth made from a combination of kelp called kombu and dried bonito flakes called katsuobushi. The blend constitutes the foundation of the soup, giving it a subtle and deep background flavour complementing the miso paste taste. Once the dashi is prepared, a small amount of its liquid is mixed with a good amount of the miso paste, which dissolves in the fluid with a unique flavouring. A variety of different materials can be added to make it modified such as tofu, seaweed like wakame, green onions, and seasonal vegetables. Adding the tofu will give the soup protein and a creamy texture, and the addition of the seaweed will give some subtle flavour with a hint of the ocean to it. Other nutrients besides a delightful contrast in textures are obtained from such additions. While miso soup is far more than just taste or flavour, it also has been credited with some kind of health benefits. Miso soup is one of those soups that naturally contain probiotics developed from the fermentation process. Probiotics contain healthy gut bacteria that help with digestion, and several other vitamins minerals and antioxidants exist in miso. One of the most traditional Japanese dishes that is often served over a meal, accompanying rice and other dishes, is the dish that has always been served warm and comforting.

• 3 tbsp white miso paste
• 1 cup tofu silken
• 3 tbsp green onions

• This soup is a gem of Japanese cuisine and is cherished for its deep umami taste and embracing comfort.
• It is so simple, wholesome, and easy to prepare and tailor; today, we will be making a very tasty and healthy miso soup using just a few basic ingredients and techniques combined to make it a deliciously healthy dish.
• So go grab your ingredients: you will need cups of chicken stock or dashi as the foundation for your soup.
• Dashi is a traditional Japanese stock based on kombu (sea kelp) and bonito flakes, which give it such depth of flavour that it pairs absolutely with the miso.
• If you don't like having something so thin, chicken stock is perfectly fine too. Measure the desired amount of stock, keeping in mind that this recipe can easily be multiplied to fit how many you want to serve.
• You've now made your stock, and you pour the liquid from the pot into a separate pot over medium heat.
• You will soon be presented with the great smell of the broth permeating your kitchen, and the scent will warm the place while you cook your soup. Now it's time to mix your miso paste while the broth heats up to a boil.
• You'll want three tablespoons of white miso paste, called shiro miso. Believe it or not, white miso paste is milder and sweeter than almost any other type of miso, so if you're just starting out working with miso soup, this's probably the one you'll want to work with.
• When the broth has reached a boil, pour some into a small bowl and add the miso paste to the bowl. Draw two spoons with the ladle full of this hot broth and pour the hot broth into the miso paste.
• This step is important because it will dissolve the paste and prevent clumping in the pot if you add it in large quantities. Then gently whisk until the miso dissolves well and becomes smooth. Once you have prepared your miso, carefully introduce it into the simmering broth while stirring.
• It should not be allowed to boil after miso's addition since it would be pretty destructive in terms of its fragile flavour and healthy benefits.
• You can now add the tofu to your soup. You can choose between silken and medium-firm. In this recipe, it's a matter of preference.
• Cut the tofu into small cubes, around half an inch in dimension. Add the cubes of tofu to the pot gently so that they heat through without breaking up. Silken-tofu will make the texture much creamier, and medium-firm-tofu will add a tiny crunch. So either is lovely.
• Add in some chopped green onions for flavour and visual appeal to your miso soup. You'll be using 3 tablespoons of finely chopped green onions.
• The fresh, mild flavour of green onions adds a pop of colour and a hint of brightness to the dish. Stir in the chopped green onions once you have gotten your tofu warmed through, allowing them to wilt in the warm broth somewhat.
• Now, gently stir the soup to distribute all its ingredients in an even layer within the pot. Now you can taste this soup and season with salt, but again, over-seasoning is harder than under-seasoning.
• If you get a flavour here that you find too weak, you would rather go for a stronger miso ratio without actually increasing the ratio; otherwise, you risk dominating the broth and your soup.
• Once all of your ingredients are nicely combined and hot, remove the pot from heat. It is customary to serve this bowl of comfort hot, any time at all. Ladle into bowls some of the tofu and green onions.
• Miso soup does not only warm the body, but it is a nutritional food source that nourishes the body with its great nutritional worth.
• Elements that give miso soup goodness are due to probiotics, which contribute positively to the gut and the tofu element, giving a good portion of protein as well. Such lovely soup can be consumed alone or with rice and pickles, for instance, to make it into a full meal.
• The great thing about including miso soup in your recipe repertoire is enjoying different flavours as found in Japanese cuisine.
• The umami flavour of the soup, creamy-smooth tofu, and sprightly green onions will make your heart warm and your belly full of flavour. Enjoy your homemade miso soup and indulge in the comfort of the familiar!