Vegetarian Miso Soup: Delicious, Healthy, and Easy to Make

Looking for a wholesome, satisfying, and easy-to-make vegetarian soup? Look no further than miso soup! This traditional Japanese dish is not only packed with vitamins and minerals but also versatile and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you're transitioning to a vegan diet or simply want to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine, this 15-minute recipe will make your culinary journey a breeze.

Ingredients

2 cups plus 3 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons white rice 2 cups frozen stir-fry vegetables (choose your favorites) 1 12-ounce package extra-firm silken tofu, cut into small cubes 2 tablespoons miso paste (look for no added salt varieties if possible) 2 scallions, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or to taste 1/2 to 1 teaspoon sugar to taste

Directions

Bring 2 cups water and rice to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat. Cover, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and cook until the rice is just tender (about 12 to 15 minutes). Add frozen stir-fry vegetables to the pot, increase heat to high, and bring to a boil. Cook until the vegetables are heated through, stirring occasionally (about 2 to 3 minutes). Add tofu and cook until heated through (about 2 minutes). Remove from the heat. In a small bowl, combine miso paste and the remaining 3 tablespoons water. Stir to dissolve the miso paste. Add this mixture, scallions, vinegar, and sugar to the soup and stir to combine.

Why Miso is Basically Vegetarian

Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, salt, and a starter culture (often koji yeast). While the starter culture is essential for the fermentation process, it is typically vegetarian. However, some miso paste varieties may contain non-vegetarian ingredients. Therefore, it's important to choose no added salt or organic miso paste for a fully vegetarian option.

Additional Vegan Ingredients for Miso Soup

Tofu: Silken or firm tofu is a staple in miso soup. It adds texture and protein content. Wakame Seaweed: This type of seaweed is a nutritious addition to your soup, providing iodine and other essential minerals. Aburaage: This is thin, crispy tofu that is often pan-fried or deep-fried. It adds a delightful crunch to your soup. Bean Sprouts: These are crunchy and add a fresh, vegetal flavor to the soup.

Simple Vegan Miso Soup Recipe

I recently discovered a simple vegan miso soup that's quick, easy, and cheap. Here's the easy recipe I've been enjoying:

Ingredients

1.5 oz soba noodles 40 g mison 4 cups water 1 tbsp dried wakame seaweed 3.5 oz soft tofu 1 cup onion

Instructions

Cook noodles according to package directions. Heat water in a pot and when it starts to boil, add the dried wakame seaweed and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Place the miso paste into a small bowl, add hot water and whisk until smooth. Add to the soup after removing the pot from the heat and stir. Add the tofu and the green onion and stir again. You can cook the tofu and the green onion if you want for 5 minutes but it's not necessary. Do not cook the miso paste.

As a vegan, the benefits of miso soup extend beyond its taste. It's a nourishing and satisfying dish that can help you maintain a healthier lifestyle. Plus, it's a straightforward recipe that even culinary beginners can master in just 15 minutes. Give it a try and enjoy the many benefits of this versatile soup!