Hearty Shiitake Mushroom and Perilla Seed Soup: A Nourishing Delight
Shiitake Mushroom and Perilla Seed Soup
This comforting soup was initially made for myself, a lover of shiitake mushrooms and perilla seeds. To my delight, the rest of my family also adored it! This nourishing Shiitake Mushroom and Perilla Seed Soup is packed with goodness and makes for a wonderfully satisfying meal. Experience the rich, nutty flavor of perilla seeds combined with the earthy, umami notes of shiitake mushrooms in this deeply flavorful broth.
Ingredients- 20g Dried shiitake mushrooms (stems removed)
- 30g Perilla seed powder
- 1/2 Tbsp Soy sauce (or soup soy sauce)
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups (400ml) Dashi broth (made with kombu)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Pre-cooking Preparations: It’s ideal to rehydrate dried shiitake mushrooms beforehand. If you’re short on time, soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar (about 1/2 tsp) for about 10 minutes, ensuring they are fully submerged. The sugar helps soften the mushrooms and enhances their flavor. Meanwhile, prepare the dashi broth by soaking a piece of kombu (approx. 10cm x 10cm) in 2 cups of water for at least 10 minutes. This infusion process develops a richer base for the soup.
Step 2
Simmering the Dashi and Preparing Mushrooms: Place the kombu-infused water in a pot and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Once the shiitake mushrooms have softened, gently squeeze out any excess water. Slice the rehydrated mushrooms thinly, following their natural shape but ensuring they are bite-sized. Avoid slicing them too thinly, as this preserves a pleasant chewy texture.
Step 3
Adding Mushrooms to the Broth: Once the dashi broth reaches a simmer, carefully remove and discard the kombu. Add the thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms to the simmering broth. Allow them to cook for a few minutes, letting their earthy aroma and flavor infuse into the liquid.
Step 4
Flavoring with Perilla Seed Powder and Soy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Gradually add the perilla seed powder to the pot, whisking continuously with a whisk or spoon to ensure it dissolves smoothly without clumps. Once the perilla powder is well incorporated, stir in the soy sauce (or soup soy sauce) to add a layer of savory depth and umami to the broth.
Step 5
Final Seasoning and Serving: Bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Before turning off the heat, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Add salt incrementally until you achieve your desired flavor balance. Your delicious and nourishing Shiitake Mushroom and Perilla Seed Soup is now ready! Serve hot for the best experience.
