Western-style miso soups

Miso also makes a great complement to Western-style food. For addes zest, try adding a little to your everyday soup. By drinking a little each day you will soon come to realize the many health benefits of this wonderful health food.

Chicken & Vegetable miso soup
This recipe suits a wide range of vegetables, so use anything you happen to have in your refrigerator. As the flavor of miso varies with each different type, adjust the amount as needed to suit your taste.

Serves 2 to 3
6 oz. chicken thigh, diced into 1-inch cubes.
2 oz. carrot, diced into 1/2-inch cubes.
2 oz. cabbage, diced into 1/2-inch cubes.
4 mushrooms, chopped in half.
3-1/2 oz. mixed beans.
1/3 cup canned tomatoes.
2-1/4 cups water.
3-1/2 tbsps. kome miso.
1 garlic clove, finely chopped.
Parsley, finely chopped.
Flour.
Salt and pepper.

1. Salt and pepper the chicken and coat lightly with flour. Heat the salad oil in a pot and saute' the garlic.
2. Put in the chicken and fry slowly, turning regularly to that it does not burn. Mix in the carrots and mushrooms and stir. Add the tomatoes and saute' briefly.
3. Add the water and dissolve the miso, then simmer until the chicken and carrots are cooked through.
4. Add the cabbage and mixed beans, and simmer until the cabbage becomes soft.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place into bowls and sprinkle with finely chopped parsley. The soup is now ready to serve.

Miso clam chowder
Add a dash of miso for a richer, tastier clam chowder, White or sweet miso also goes well with cream or milk.

Serves 2 to 3
6 oz. clams, shelled.
2 oz. onions, diced into 1/2 inch cubes.
2 oz. celery, diced into 1/2 inch cubes.
2 oz. potatoes, diced into 1/2 inch cubes.
2 oz. bacon, diced into 1/2 inch cubes.
1 oz. canned corn.
1 garlic clove, minced.
3 tbsps. white wine.
1-1/4 cups water.
1 cup cream.
4 tbsps. white miso.
1-1/4 tbsps. flour.
Salt and pepper.

1. Heat salad oil in a pot and saute' the garlic. Mix in bacon, onions and celery and saute' until wilted. Add the clams and flour and briefly stir.
2. Pour in the white wine and water. Bring to a boil and let simmer. Skim off the foam.
3. Add the potatoes and stir in the cream and miso and simmer for a few minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.