Bento Box Assorted Ingredient Soup

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €10.08 · €2.52/serving

• 4 cups all-natural vegetable or chicken broth, either homemade or -bought (For extra flavor, simmer with aromatics like garlic and ginger)Est. price €1.20–€2.80
• 1/2 teaspoon fragrant toasted sesame oil or spicy hot pepper sesame oil (Add at the end of cooking for maximum flavor)Est. price €0.10–€0.25
• 1 (6-inch) piece of dried kelp (kombu) (Wipe gently with a damp cloth to remove any grit before using)Est. price €1.50–€3.00
• 3 sachets of high-quality green tea leavesEst. price €1.80–€4.00
• 1 slender carrot, peeled and finely gratedEst. price €0.15–€0.40
• 1/2 cup of de-stemmed and thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms (For a richer taste, sauté mushrooms before adding to the soup)Est. price €1.00–€2.50
• 4 ounces of dense tofu, diced into precise 1/2-inch cubesEst. price €1.20–€2.00
• 2 tablespoons of umami-rich tamari soy sauceEst. price €0.50–€1.20
• 1/4 cup of creamy white miso paste (Dilute miso in a small amount of broth before adding to the soup to prevent clumping)Est. price €1.80–€3.50
• 2 scallions, both the pale white and vibrant green parts, cut on a diagonal biasEst. price €0.30–€0.70

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by filling a soup pot with water until it is halfway full and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt followed by the soba noodles. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the noodles for approximately 5 minutes or until they are just tender, remembering to stir occasionally. After cooking, drain the noodles and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to eliminate excess starch. Next, promptly transfer the cooked noodles to a bowl before drizzling them with 1/4 teaspoon of sesame oil. Gently toss the noodles in the bowl to evenly coat them with the sesame oil.

2. 2

   In a large pot, heat the broth over high heat until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and introduce the kombu and tea bags into the pot. Allow them to simmer for 4 minutes before using a slotted spoon to take out the kombu and tea bags. Next, incorporate the carrot, mushrooms, tofu, and tamari into the pot. Cover with a lid and continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, pour 1/4 cup of the hot broth. Add miso to the bowl and use a fork to dissolve it completely. Once dissolved, incorporate this mixture back into the broth. Next, mix in the scallions, lemon juice, and the rest of the sesame oil until well combined.

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• Cultural note

  The Bento Box Assorted Ingredient Soup takes inspiration from Japanese cuisine with ingredients like soba noodles, miso paste, and tamari soy sauce. These elements reflect the traditional flavors and cooking techniques of Japan, known for their focus on umami-rich broths and fresh, seasonal produce.

• Seasonal note

  This Bento Box Assorted Ingredient Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round. However, it is particularly comforting during the colder months as a warm and nourishing meal.

• Health note

  This soup is a nutritious option, providing a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. It is rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as minerals like zinc. The combination of ingredients such as tofu, vegetables, and green tea leaves offers antioxidants and immune-boosting properties.