I don't go Christmas shopping like I used to - it is so commercialized and stressful. Instead I try to find meaningful ways to brighten my loved ones days during the holiday season. Thus this past week I spent time at the Farmer's Market just up the street from our home looking for just the right fixings to make nice meals for the week. You know, the way to a man's heart IS truely through the stomach!
I bought green beans and waxed beans for a curry dish, then scallions and onions for a special mac and cheese dish my guy loves (another post for those recipes...) I also bought some mistle toe to decorate the house, and oranges, lemons and grapefruits to get my citrus fix.
The problem I had was all week I have been yearning for soup -- everything I bought looked good and was utterly the freshest but all I wanted was soup. I bought my produce home and hang my mistletoe...waiting for that first kiss of the season under the 'toe...I digress...
I have this thing for miso too so I wanted my quick fix...Miso Soup! What a better way to make a quick and satisifying lunch or dinner in between all the business of the Christmas season! I always have an emergency carton of tofu in the frig and by using a couple of scallions...there you go!
Here's my recipe:
- 4 cups water
- 1/3 cup miso (white is best but you can use red)
- 3 green onions (scallions), chopped
- 1 tbsp shredded nori or wakame seaweed
- 1/2 block firm tofu, cut into 1 inch cubes
- dash tamari
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
I bring the water to a soft boil with the seaweed then reduce the heat to a simmer and add the rest of the ingredients. Be sure to dissolve the miso completely and once it is dissolved it is ready to eat. You may also add mushroom (I prefer shiitaki) or wood ears if you like. This recipe serves 4 in a cinch!
Get your pots going! Have fun!
(Meanwhile, I stand, sipping miso soup under the mistle toe...)