How to make quick miso soup at home

Anyone who frequents their local Japanese or sushi spot is knows just how cozy and delicious a bowl of miso soup can be. And if you've never tried it, we have good news! It's actually very easy to make at home, and you don't need many ingredients. Here's how it's done:

Miso Soup (Serves 1) 1. Whisk 1 tbsp Miso paste with 1 cup warm or hot water. 2. Add your choice of cubed soft tofu, sliced green onions, sliced enoki or shiitake mushrooms, sliced or grated ginger, soba or ramen noodles and sliced nori.

What is Miso, anyway? Originating in Japan, this fermented soybean paste is full of deep umami flavours, adding rich depth and savoury elements to any dish. Miso is the ultimate refrigerator staple thanks to its long shelf life and killer versatility. Not only is it delicious, it’s also high in protein and packed full of vitamin and minerals. Here are the main varieties you can find:

White miso One of the most common types available on the market, white miso has the mildest flavour thanks to its shorter fermentation time. Known for being slightly sweet and mellow, it’s perfect to use in lighter fare and summery dishes. And if you’re sensitive to salt, white miso will give you an earthy punch without the intense saltiness of the other varieties.

Try it in:
Kimchee slaw
Miso-maple tofu rolls
Golden-glazed halibut

Related: 50 ways to skip takeout tonight

Yellow miso Although yellow miso is also mild in flavour, it’s fermented for a longer period of time, making it less delicate than white miso, but not as bold as red. While it can be purchased in a wide range of colours from light yellow to soft brown, all yellow miso is extremely versatile, making it the go-to variety for any dish.

Try it:
Tofu Okonomiyaki
Miso hoisin salmon

Red miso The heavy-hitter of all the mainstream miso’s, red miso is fermented for the longest period of time giving it a salty kick and flavour that packs the most punch. Because of its full-on deep flavour, red miso is best used it in heartier dishes as it can easily overpower mild or subtle ingredients.

Try it in:
Miso-maple pork tenderloin skewers
Vegetarian BBQ miso eggplant

Did you know? True miso contains living microorganisms and healthy probiotics that can aid in digestion, but it's important to note that overcooking can kill them. So if you’re looking to use miso for its health benefits, add it towards the end of the cooking process, just before removing from your dish from the heat.

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