Description
This Spicy Miso Lentil Soup combines hearty lentils and rice with a vibrant, spicy miso and spinach puree. Enhanced by browned shiitake mushrooms and a kick of fresh serrano chiles, this comforting soup is perfect for a nourishing and flavorful meal with Asian-inspired flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 3/4 cup long-grain white rice
- Salt, to taste
- 6 cups water
Spicy Miso Spinach Puree
- 1 (5-ounce) package fresh baby spinach (about 6 cups, not packed)
- 2 ½ tablespoons white miso
- 1 inch fresh ginger, unpeeled and thinly sliced
- 1 or 2 serrano or jalapeño chiles, destemmed and halved
- Juice of 1 lime (halved)
- 1/4 cup water (for blending)
Mushrooms and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, plus more for serving
- 4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, destemmed and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Cook lentils and rice: In a medium or large pot, combine 6 cups of water, lentils, rice, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer. Stir occasionally until the lentils are tender but not mushy and the rice is breaking down, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Prepare the spicy miso spinach puree: While the soup simmers, add 1/4 cup water, spinach, white miso, sliced ginger, one serrano chile (halved), and juice from half of the lime into a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Since the mixture will be diluted later, it should be a bit more spicy than desired; if needed, blend in the additional serrano chile to increase heat. Set the puree aside.
- Brown the mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms along with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are nicely browned and tender, about 7 to 9 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the mushrooms to rest while you finish the soup.
- Combine and season the soup: Once the lentils and rice are cooked, turn off the heat. Stir the blended spinach and miso mixture into the soup. The soup will thicken as it sits. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the browned mushrooms. Add a squeeze of lime juice and a few drops of toasted sesame oil on top for extra flavor and richness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the number of serrano chiles to control the soup’s spiciness according to your preference.
- White miso is used for a mild, sweet flavor; avoid stronger miso varieties to keep the balance delicate.
- If you prefer, substitute brown rice for white rice, but cooking times may vary.
- This soup thickens as it cools; add a splash of water or broth when reheating if needed.
- For a vegan version, ensure your miso paste does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: spicy miso lentil soup, vegan lentil soup, asian lentil soup, healthy soup recipe, miso soup with lentils, spicy spinach miso soup
