Miso paste is used to make soup in Japan. It is made from fermented soy beans. The paste is added to a traditional fish stock known as dashi. The dashi is left to simmer gently and then it is dropped in to melt. As it melts, it is mixed throughout the broth.<\/p>\n
There are several types of miso paste. Red, white, and black, also known as akamiso, shiromiso, and kuromiso are the most commonly used varieties. The darker miso has a heartier taste with more salt. There are also a few different regional types of miso for specific recipes. Yasaimiso is one of these. It is made to use with vegetable soup.<\/p>\n
To make traditional miso, you need to find dashi soup stock. You may be able to find it in your local Asian market. Basically, dashi is made of niboshi, which are dried baby sardines. This is combined with dried kelp called kombu and tiny shavings of dried and smoked bonito, called katsuobushi or skipjack tuna. Alternatively, it can be combined with dried shiitake mushrooms, or hoshi-shiitake. A vegetarian version can be made using the kelp and mushroom.<\/p>\n
Outside of Japan, dashi can be hard to find. In America or Europe, you can easily use vegetable, fish or chicken stock instead. Homemade is best if you have it on hand. It can also be made using plain water if need be.<\/p>\n
Miso is usually served with some solid ingredients as well. These ingredients are chosen because they reflect the seasons or they contrast with each other to show balance. Delicately flavored tofu is paired with something with a strong flavor. Light wakame seaweed that floats on the top will be paired with potatoes that sit on the bottom of the bowl. Almost any ingredient can be used, such as onion, shrimp, daikon radish, fish, mushrooms, or potatoes. It is uncommon for more than two or three ingredients are added.<\/p>\n