| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 50 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 220 | 7g | 1g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 6g | 10g | 1.8g |
When I think of the Burdock and Shiitake Noodle Soup, an instant wave of comfort washes over me. The warm, inviting aroma of the shiitake mushrooms, the hearty earthiness of the burdock root and the delicate silkiness of udon noodles, intertwine to craft a dish which, quite candidly, is like a warm hug on a cold night.
A Fusion Dish Close to My Heart
Though my Gujarati roots often have me experimenting flavors from back home, every once in a while, it’s fulfilling to venture eastwards and explore the gastronomic delights that the far east has to offer. This recipe is a delightful result of one such venture. The fusion of my west coast freshness and the ancestral roots of Asian cooking are beautifully immersed into the Burdock and Shiitake Noodle Soup. Needless to say, it’s a hit in my diverse household and my husband, Faisal, and our two boys absolutely love it.
The Healthy Side of this Soup
But it’s not just the flavors that I enjoy about this recipe. Its health benefits are the true hidden gems. Each ingredient, from the shiitake mushrooms to the burdock root, packs a healthy punch. The mushrooms are known to foster immune health (source) while burdock root is revered for its high fiber content that promotes digestion (source). This, paired with the antioxidant-rich onion, ginger, and garlic, makes the dish a wholesome and flavourful option for health-conscious food lovers.
Try coupling this recipe with a light Asian salad or a refreshing glass of chilled sake (source) to truly appreciate its umami goodness. Whether you serve it as a fanatical entrée or a snugly dinner, Burdock and Shiitake Noodle Soup is poised to win hearts, nourish bodies and inspire both traditional and bold palates.
What are you waiting for? Encounter the harmonious blend of heartwarming comfort and robust nourishment in a bowl of Burdock and Shiitake Noodle Soup today!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of dried shiitake mushrooms
- 6 cups of water
- 1 large burdock root, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and minced
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of mirin (Japanese rice wine)
- 200 grams of udon noodles
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds for garnish
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, soak the 1 cup of dried shiitake mushrooms in 2 cups of water until they become plump. This should take around 20-30 minutes.
Step Two
While the mushrooms are soaking, peel and thinly slice the large burdock root. Keep it submerge in water until ready to use, to prevent them from discoloring.
Step Three
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced onion and carrot to the pot. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
Step Four
Drain the soaked shiitake mushrooms, saving the soaking water. Add the mushrooms, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sliced burdock root to the pot. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes.
Step Five
Add 4 cups of vegetable broth, remaining 4 cups of water, saved mushroom soaking water, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of mirin to the pot. Bring to a simmer and allow to cook for 10-15 minutes.
Step Six
While the soup is simmering, prepare 200 grams of udon noodles according to package instructions.
Step Seven
Add the cooked noodles to the soup, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for another couple of minutes for the textures to meld together.
Step Eight
Serve the soup garnished with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. Your Burdock and Shiitake Noodle Soup is now ready to be enjoyed.
