Ingredients

  • 4 ounces dried udon noodles
  • 5 cups water
  • 4 Tbs. red miso paste or to taste, whisked with 2 Tbs. warm water
  • 2 shiitake mushrooms, rinsed and thinly sliced
  • 1 large daikon, grated
  • 1/2 lb. silken tofu, drained and cubed
  • 1/2 bunch watercress, well rinsed and tough ends trimmed
  • 1 small sheet toasted nori, cut into thin strips
  • Vegetarian Japanese rice seasoning to taste
  • Pinch shichimi togarashi to taste

Method

  • Bring large pot of water to a boil over high heat, and cook noodles for 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Drain and rinse under cold water.
  • Bring 5 cups water to a boil over high heat.
  • Slowly stir miso mixture into water.
  • Reduce heat to medium; add mushrooms.
  • When mixture returns to a boil, remove from heat and ladle soup into large soup bowls.
  • Divide noodles, daikon and tofu into equal portions; add to bowls.
  • Garnish with watercress leaves, nori and seasonings to taste.