5 Comments

Your writing is as generous as it is elegant. Thank you for your wonderful column!

Expand full comment

Get well soon!

Expand full comment

Why would you leave a recipe link that you can’t access without a NYT subscription?

Expand full comment

Barbara, I didn't realize that was the case. You can always just ask for the recipe!

Ingredients

Yield:

6 to 8 servings

Dashi

1 package kombu (about 2 ounces, which is the size of a package)

4 quarts water

2 cloves garlic

2½ cups dried bonito flakes

½ teaspoon chile flakes

¼ cup dried shiitake mushrooms

Rest of Soup

5 tablespoons miso paste

3 cups chopped greens, like broccoli rabe, kale or stemmed collards

½ cup chopped scallions or spring onion

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1-2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1 block silken tofu, cut in half horizontally then into squares

4 cups chopped cilantro, or combination cilantro and basil

1 lemon

Preparation

Step 1

Make dashi, either by following these instructions or by making 4 quarts instant. For homemade: Wipe kombu with a damp cloth, and break into a few pieces. Put in a pot with water. Bring almost to a boil, then turn off heat; remove kombu with tongs.

Step 2

Add garlic, bonito flakes, chile and shiitakes. Bring to a boil, and let boil 30 seconds. Turn off heat. Let sit for 10 minutes. Drain through a colander into a bowl. Put dashi back into pot.

Step 3

Add miso paste, and bring to a boil. Add greens and scallions or onion. Cook 3 minutes. Add fish sauce, salt and sugar. Lower to a simmer. Add tofu. Cook at bare simmer 10 minutes. Turn off. Add herbs.

Step 4

Just before serving, squeeze lemon juice into soup, to the sourness that you like.

Expand full comment

Tamar, I am impressed with your calmness and helpfulness even when not feeling well. If anyone would like to access the NYT version, here is a gift link that should work for free: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017000-health-soup?unlocked_article_code=1.tE4.wRl9.QiI8rW4dWnRH&smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share

Expand full comment