A comforting staple of Japanese cuisine, miso soup features miso paste, tofu, seaweed, and other ingredients simmered in broth. It’s a nourishing and heartwarming dish.

Ingredients

• 300 ml (1 ¼ cups) dashi broth
• 2 tablespoons miso paste
• ½ block tofu, cubed
• 1 tablespoon dried wakame, soaked in water
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Bring the dashi broth to a boil in a pot over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low.
2. Add the cubed tofu to the pot and simmer until heated through.
3. While the tofu is simmering, soak the dried wakame in water until softened. Drain and add the wakame to the pot.
4. Gradually stir in the miso paste until dissolved.
5. Add the thinly sliced scallion and simmer for another minute.
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Tips

• For the best flavor, make your own dashi broth using kombu (dried kelp) and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes). If you’re short on time, you can also use store-bought dashi broth.
• Do not add miso paste to boiling water, as this will damage its flavor. Always add it to warm or cooled broth.
• The amount of miso paste you need will depend on the type of miso you use. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Feel free to add other ingredients to your miso soup, such as aburaage (fried tofu), mushrooms, or vegetables.

Variations

• Tofu and Wakame Miso Soup:This is a classic miso soup with simple yet flavorful ingredients.
• Nameko and Tofu Miso Soup:The slimy nameko mushrooms add a unique texture and flavor to this miso soup.

Health and beauty benefits

Miso soup offers numerous health and beauty benefits. Tofu is high in protein and low in calories, and it is rich in isoflavones, which support bone health and help balance female hormones. Wakame is rich in minerals and dietary fiber, which improve gut health and prevent constipation. It also contains iodine, which contributes to thyroid health. Miso is a fermented food that contains probiotics, which improve gut flora and boost the immune system. Combining these ingredients in miso soup provides a well-balanced dish that supports overall beauty and health.