Warm up your day with my Maitake Mushroom Miso Soup. Perfect for cold weather, it’s a delicious, health-boosting recipe you need to try!
What are Maitake mushrooms?
Maitake ( ??) means dancing mushroom in Japanese. The mushroom is said to have gotten its name after people danced with happiness upon finding it in the wild, such are its incredible healing properties and considered to be a medicinal mushroom. Originating from Japan, these mushrooms are highly valued for their rich umami flavour and nutritional profile. Available in both fresh and dried forms, maitake mushrooms are a staple in Japanese cuisine, adding depth and health benefits to a variety of dishes.
Fresh Maitake mushroom
The Flavor and Texture of Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms boast a rich, earthy flavour that’s both savoury and slightly nutty, adding a delicious umami taste to dishes like soups and stir-fries. Their deep, complex flavour profile can transform a simple meal into something special. In terms of texture, these mushrooms are tender yet slightly chewy, with delicate, feathery layers that hold up well in cooking. This unique texture adds a satisfying bite to dishes without becoming mushy, making them a versatile ingredient that enhances the mouthfeel of various recipes, from stews to salads. Their firm, pleasant bite complements a variety of dishes, making every meal more enjoyable.
Maitake health benefits
Maitake mushrooms are known as medicinal food:
- Immune Support: Boosts immune system with beta-glucans.
- Antioxidant-rich: Contains vitamin C for cell protection.
- Blood Sugar Control: Helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Weight Management: Low in calories and high in fibre.
- Heart Health: Lowers cholesterol, reducing heart disease risk.
How to make Maitake mushroom Miso soup
Miso soup with nutritional Maitake mushrooms
Maitake mushroom Miso soup
Serves 4 to 5
Ingredients:
4 cups water
2 tsp instant MSG free dashi powder
2 tbsp miso
½ to 1 packet Maitake mushroom
3 to 5 cm leek, sliced
Chopped shallot (optional)
Method
- Break Maitake into small pieces.
- Put the water and instant dashi powder in a pot and bring to boil, then add maitake and leek, then simmer at least 3 to 5 mins to enhance the flavour (important!) and cook the mushroom and leek.
- Turn off then scoop out some soup stock from the pot and dissolve miso paste in it then return the soup in the pan and stir well or simply dissolve miso using strainer.
- Serve in bowl and sprinkle chopped shallot.
You can check out how I make Maitake mushroom Miso soup
Check my Instagram reel HERE
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