Soba Soup with Spinach and Tofu

Soba Soup with Spinach and Tofu

Info

Rating
Calories
258.0
Protein
17.0
Sodium
1916.0
Fat
5.0

Description

Japanese connoisseurs of the noodle hold soba, made primarily of buckwheat flour, in particularly high regard. Here the nutty taste of the soba noodles is set off by a restorative broth in which miso is a savory option. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Ingredients

7 cups water
a 6-inch length of kombu * (dried kelp), wiped with a dampened cloth
1 ounce (about 2 cups) dried bonito flakes*
1/2 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons mirin * (syrup rice wine)
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 pound dried soba* (buckwheat noodles)
2 carrots, sliced thin
1/2 pound spinach, coarse stems discarded and the leaves washed well, spun dry, and cut crosswise into 1 1/2-inch-wide strips
8 to 10 ounces firm tofu (preferably silken), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 to 4 tablespoons miso* (fermented bean paste), or to taste, if desired
2 scallions, minced
*available at Japanese markets

Directions

  1. In a saucepan bring the water to a boil with the kombu, simmer the kombu for 2 minutes, and remove it with tongs, discarding it. Stir in the bonito flakes and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce, the mirin, and the sugar and simmer the broth for 5 minutes. Strain the broth through a fine sieve into a heatproof bowl and pour it back into the pan.
  2. In a kettle of salted boiling water cook the noodles for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are al dente, being careful not to overcook them, drain them in a colander, and rinse them under cold water.
  3. Add the carrots to the broth and simmer them, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir in the spinach and the tofu and simmer the soup for 1 minute. In a small bowl stir together well 1/2 cup of the soup broth and the miso and pour the mixture back into the pan. Divide the noodles among 6 large bowls, ladle the soup over them, and sprinkle each serving with some of the scallions.