Cabbage Miso Soup

Here’s a delicious recipe for Cabbage Miso Soup, inspired by various sources, that combines the rich umami flavor of miso with the crunch of cabbage for a comforting and nutritious dish.

Cabbage Miso Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 5 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for added flavor)
• 3 cups green or napa cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced or shredded
• 3 large cloves of garlic, finely sliced
• ¼ cup miso paste (white or red)
• Optional toppings:
• Green onions, sliced
• Cilantro
• Cooked ramen or soba noodles
• Silken tofu, cubed
• Sriracha or soy sauce for seasoning

Instructions

Prepare the Broth:

• In a medium pot, bring the vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat.

Add Vegetables:

• Add the sliced garlic, cabbage, and carrots to the pot. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.

Dissolve Miso:

• While the soup is simmering, transfer the miso paste into a small bowl. Use a ladle to take some warm broth from the pot and pour it over the miso. Whisk until smooth and no clumps remain.

Combine Miso with Soup:

• Once the vegetables are tender, remove the pot from heat. Pour the miso mixture into the soup and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary; you can add soy sauce or more miso if desired.

Serve:

• Serve warm in bowls. If you like, add cooked noodles to your serving bowl before pouring the soup over them. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, or cubed silken tofu.

Tips

• Customize Your Soup: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bok choy for added nutrition and flavor.
• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid boiling after adding miso.

What Other Vegetables Can I Add to Cabbage Miso Soup?

You can enhance your cabbage miso soup with a variety of vegetables, including:

• Carrots: Thinly sliced or shredded for sweetness and color.
• Mushrooms: Shiitake, enoki, or button mushrooms add umami flavor.
• Bok Choy: Adds a tender, leafy texture and mild flavor.
• Spinach: Quickly wilts and adds nutrients.
• Zucchini: Sliced or diced for a fresh crunch.
• Green Onions: Sliced for garnish or added during cooking for flavor.
• Bell Peppers: Adds sweetness and color.

Can I Use a Different Type of Cabbage for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of cabbage in your miso soup:

• Napa Cabbage: Has a milder flavor and is commonly used in Asian dishes.
• Savoy Cabbage: More tender and has crinkly leaves, perfect for soups.
• Red (Purple) Cabbage: Will add color but may leach its color into the broth; consider adding an acidic ingredient like lemon juice to maintain the vibrant hue.
• Pointed Cabbage: Similar in taste to green cabbage but sweeter and more tender.

How Can I Make This Soup More Filling?

To make your cabbage miso soup more filling, consider adding:

• Tofu: Cubed firm or silken tofu adds protein and texture.
• Noodles: Ramen, soba, or udon noodles can make the soup heartier.
• Grains: Quinoa or brown rice can be added for extra bulk and nutrition.
• Legumes: Chickpeas or edamame provide additional protein.

What Are Some Good Garnishes for Cabbage Miso Soup?

Garnishes can enhance both the flavor and presentation of your soup:

• Sliced Green Onions: Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide crunch and nuttiness.
• Cilantro or Parsley: Fresh herbs add brightness.
• Chili Oil or Sriracha: For those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Nori Strips: Adds a touch of sea flavor.

Can I Substitute Miso Paste with Another Ingredient?

If you need to substitute miso paste, consider these options:

• Tahini: While it won’t replicate the umami flavor, it can add creaminess. You may need to add some soy sauce or nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
• Soy Sauce or Tamari: Use sparingly as it lacks the thickness of miso but can provide saltiness and umami.
• Nutritional Yeast: This can add a cheesy flavor but will require additional seasoning to mimic miso’s complexity.

These suggestions will help you customize your Cabbage Miso Soup to suit your taste preferences while enhancing its flavor and nutritional value! Enjoy your cooking!

This Cabbage Miso Soup is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a perfect choice for a healthy meal! Enjoy!