Miso Soup With Watercress And Shiitakes

Miso, a Japanese flavoring, is made by fermenting cooked soybeans. White and yellow misos are mild; dark varieties have more complex flavors.

Yield:

Serves 6

Ingredients

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
3. 3 plum (Roma) tomatoes, peeled and seeded, then diced
4. 1 tablespoon peeled and finely chopped fresh ginger
5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
6. 4 cups vegetable stock or broth
7. 2 tablespoons white miso
8. 1/4 pound firm tofu, drained and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
9. 3 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, brushed clean, and caps thinly sliced
10. 1 cup watercress leaves
11. 1 green (spring) onion, including tender green top, thinly sliced

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the yellow onion and saute until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes, ginger and garlic and saute until the tomatoes are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
2. Whisk in the miso until dissolved. Add the tofu, mushrooms and watercress and simmer until the tofu is heated through and the mushrooms and watercress are softened, about 1 minute.
3. Ladle into warmed individual bowls and garnish with the green onion. Serve immediately.

Notes