Spinach Miso Soup with Zingy Ginger

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €4.25 · €1.06/serving

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oilEst. price €0.08–€0.20
• 1 moderate-sized carrot, peeled and thinly sliced (blanch in boiling water for quicker cooking)Est. price €0.15–€0.35
• Freshly ground pepper, to your liking (use a pepper mill for optimal freshness)Est. price €0.02–€0.05
• 4 cups purified water with 2 vegetable bouillon cubes, or alternative stock selection (simmer on low heat to allow flavors to meld)Est. price €0.02–€0.04
• 2 to 4 tablespoons miso, of any variety, to cater to your taste buds (dissolve miso in a small amount of warm broth before incorporating into the dish for even distribution)Est. price €0.40–€0.80
• 1 petite onion or 2 to 3 shallot bulbs, finely minced (soak in cold water for extra crispness)Est. price €0.10–€0.25
• 4 ounces delicate or robust tofu, cubed into 1/2-inch pieces (press tofu between paper towels to remove excess water)Est. price €0.90–€1.50
• One 15-ounce can of petite baby corn, with its natural juices, unstrained (reserve liquid for added flavor)Est. price €1.20–€2.00
• 6 to 8 ounces newly harvested spinach or baby spinach, meticulously cleaned, de-stemmed, and roughly chopped (pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture)Est. price €1.00–€2.00
• 3 scallions, incorporating both the pale and verdant sections, sliced (slice at an angle for an elegant presentation)Est. price €0.20–€0.40

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by heating oil in a soup pot over medium-low heat. Add the onion and carrot to the pot, then sauté them until they turn golden, making sure to stir frequently throughout the process.

2. 2

   Combine water, bouillon cubes, spinach, scallions, optional wine, ginger, and pepper in a pot. Increase the heat to bring it to a rapid simmer before reducing the heat. Cover the pot and gently simmer for 10 minutes. Introduce tofu and baby corn with its liquid into the pot after this time has elapsed.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, blend the miso with enough water until it reaches a smooth and pourable consistency. Incorporate this mixture into the soup while stirring continuously. If the soup appears too thick, adjust by adding additional water gradually until desired thickness is achieved. Heat the soup gently until warmed through. Serve immediately for optimal enjoyment.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  Miso soup is a traditional Japanese dish that dates back centuries. The use of miso, tofu, and ginger in this recipe reflects Japanese culinary influences. The addition of white wine may be a modern twist on the classic recipe.

• Seasonal note

  Spinach, carrots, and scallions are typically in season during the spring and fall, making this soup ideal for those seasons. Ginger is commonly available year-round.

• Health note

  This Spinach Miso Soup with Zingy Ginger is a nutritious choice, providing a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins A and C. It is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it heart-healthy. However, it is high in sodium, so it's important to monitor salt intake.