Awase Miso Soup

Awase miso has a flavor that is halfway between red miso and white miso, a little sweet and a little bit sharp. You may substitute 2 tablespoons white miso and 2 tablespoons red miso for the 4 tablespoons awase miso in this recipe.

Makes 5-6 cups miso soup.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled, sliced
• 2 ribs celery, sliced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 4 c vegetable broth
• 6 oz tofu, cubed (1/2″)
• 1/3 c chopped fresh spinach, shiso leaf or other greens
• 1 tsp cut wakame (or crushed nori)
• 4 Tbsp awase miso

Directions:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, warm the oil.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Saute 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the red pepper flakes and garlic; saute another minute.
4. Pour in vegetable broth; bring to boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes.
6. Stir in tofu, spinach, and wakame. Bring back to heat.
7. Remove 1 cup of the soup broth to a bowl. Stir in the miso until dissolved; add back to soup.
8. Serve hot, sprinkled with sliced green onions if desired.