Miso Ramen

Slowly cooked ginger, shallot and garlic gives this dish a beautiful seasoning. Adding plenty of sesame makes the soup rich and thick. Enjoy this unbelievably flavoursome soup— perfect for winter.

Ingrediants - Serves 4

4 tablespoons sesame oil

3 to 4 (white part of) shallots (scallions), finely chopped

4 tablespoons ginger, chopped

2 tablespoons garlic, chopped

4 fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced

1.5 litres (52fl oz) water

1 tablespoon MSG-free dashi powder

4 tablespoons roasted and ground sesame seeds

5 to 6 tablespoons miso paste

Salt and pepper, to taste

½ packet bean sprouts

12 snow peas, cleaned and julienned

1 small carrot, julienned

1 small tin corn kernels, drained

1 large red chilli, sliced (optional)

4 bundles of fresh ramen noodles

Garnish

Green shallot (scallion), sliced

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of the sesame oil, shallots, ginger and garlic in a large saucepan over a low heat for 4 to 5 minutes to infuse the flavour slowly.

2. Add shiitake mushroom and cook for a further 2 minutes.

3. Add water and dashi powder and bring to the boil. Allow to simmer for 2 minutes and turn off the heat. Add the sesame and miso paste, using a strainer, and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

4. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a wok over a high heat and add the bean sprouts, snow peas, carrot, corn and chilli and stir-fry quickly. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Cook the noodles in a separate pan following packet directions, drain and set aside.

6. Add noodles to bowls, pour over broth, top with stir-fried vegetables and chopped shallot.

Tip

Gluten-free option: Use rice miso not barley miso and replace ramen noodles with gluten-free noodles.

Vegan option: Use egg-free ramen noodles.

I like crunchy vegetables, which is why I stir-fry them in a separate wok, but if you want an easier version, you can add all the vegetables into the soup—less washing up!