Miso Alphabet Soup ~ healthy, easy, and fun Miso Alphabet Soup is a 15 minute meal that introduces kids of all ages to a classic Japanese dish. Miso is one of the world’s oldest super foods, and nobody should miss out!
Today I’m sharing one of my own kids’ all time favorite soups ~ it’s the way I introduce them to the wonders of Japanese food. Miso is a staple in our house, I’ve been cooking with it since college and love how easy it is to add a boost of nutrition and ‘umami’ flavor to whatever I’m making. I’ve added playful alphabet noodles to this basic miso soup recipe to make it fun and accessible to newbies, and miso alphabet soup makes the perfect back-to-school meal!
For busy families, a tub of miso paste in the refrigerator means a nourishing meal is only minutes away.
Miso paste is an ancient Japanese health food made from fermented soybeans. It doesn’t sound like much, I know, and frankly, it doesn’t look like much, either, straight out of the tub, but when you stir it into hot water or broth it makes a comforting, subtly flavored soup. It’s the original instant soup!
- Miso paste is full of detoxifying enzymes, proteins, vitamins, antioxidants
- It helps strengthen the immune system, lowers cancer risk, reduces bad cholesterol
- it’s anti-inflammatory
- Helps lower blood pressure
- It’s full of probiotics which help balance your gut bacteria and aid digestion
The Japanese have been eating it daily for thousands of years, so I think it’s about time we got in on the action.
Look for miso paste in the refrigerated section of your regular grocery store. It will be right there next to the tofu and wonton wrappers. Miso comes in a few different varieties and the color ranges from white, or pale yellow, to deep dark red. The lighter colors are mild and the darker it gets, the more robust the flavor.
TIP: If you’re just getting started with miso, or are introducing it to kids, try mild yellow miso first. Once hooked, you can move on the darker colors. I use the dark paste in my classic MISO SOUP.
Miso paste will keep for at least a year in the fridge, once opened, so don’t hesitate to pick up a tub. You’ll use it like a condiment in so many different kinds of dishes. I like to stir it into my broth for MISO RAMEN WITH SHITAKE AND CHICKEN and you can make a delicious MISO SALAD DRESSING.
You might have trouble finding the classic alphabet pasta, it’s not readily available in all grocery stores. I suggest buying it on Amazon, you can find it here.
Miso Alphabet Soup
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth, or you can use beef broth, veggie broth, or water
- 4 ounces small alphabet shaped pasta
- 3 Tbsp Miso paste
- 10 ounces firm tofu, or extra firm
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Bring the stock or water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the alphabet pasta and boil gently until done, about 6 minutes, or according to the package directions.
- Cut the tofu into small cubes, and thinly slice the green onions, and set aside.
- When the pasta is tender, take the soup off the heat. Stir in the miso paste, and then add the tofu.
- Serve in small bowls, garnished with the sliced green onions.
Nutrition
Make it your own ~
- Make this vegan by using pure filtered water in place of the chicken broth.
- Give this soup an extra nutritious boost and use bone broth.
- If you like you can substitute another very small pasta shape, like orzo or pastina (tiny stars.) You can even use leftover rice or quinoa.
- Add any chopped veggies or greens you like. Carrots and kale work great.
Don’t forget to pin this Miso Alphabet Soup!
I bought the letters the first time you posted a soup w/ them:)So cute..
On the other hand I bought Miso and jacques and I :(:(:(
It’s a question of taste..ours is off for Miso:)
It’s such an unusual flavor in Western culture, I think it’s the fermented aspect that some people might not like.
That’s it””??
I don’t care for kimchee for that reason 😉
I have never tried a miso soup and had no idea what miso actually was, so thanks for the explanation!
I’m glad I could introduce it to you Julia, it’s such a versatile food, you’re going to fall in love!
This is such a cute idea — we love miso soup anyway, but those alphabet pastas are the bomb!
I’ve always loved alphabet pasta!
I see so many recipes with miso and I’ve never gotten around to trying any. This looks delicious.
I just bought a tub of miso. I don’t believe I’ve ever eaten it but wanted to give it a try! I think I’ll start with this soup! Looks yummy!
I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised Beth!
Really like your pics of miso alphabet soup,thanks for sharing.
Lol! Yum is right 🙂 I love miso soup, but my daughter LOOOOVES it, so I’ll be sending this recipe out to here asap!
I’m ready for fall soups and this one looks like a great way to start the season. Light and fresh, and loaded with adorable little letters. I must find these and make it for the grandkids 🙂
This just reminds me that I still have a huge bag of miso in my fridge…the soup looks light yet very flavourful and tasty, Sue.
Miso paste is a great add to soup. Love how you are training your kids to be food snobs. They won’t know what to do when they are served a canned alphabet soup at a friend’s house!
Oh gosh, my kids grew up in Los Angeles so they were exposed to all kinds of foods, and I think enjoying the food of different cultures is the opposite of snobbishness, but don’t worry, they also had their share of boxed mac & cheese and ‘Lunchables’, for sure 🙂