Introduction
Tonjiru, or Japanese pork miso soup, is a hearty and flavorful dish enjoyed in Japanese households. This comforting soup features tender pork slices, miso, and a variety of vegetables, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal, especially on cold days. In our home, we like to add a teaspoon of grated ginger, which not only enhances the flavor but also provides a warming and health-boosting effect. Below is a simple recipe for 4 servings.
Ingredients (4 servings)
- Pork belly (thinly sliced): 100–150g
- Daikon radish: 50g (about 1/8 medium-sized radish)
- Carrot: 1/4 piece (about 50g)
- Gobo (burdock root): 1/4 stick (about 30g)
- Potatoes: 2 medium (about 150g)
- Onion: 1/4 medium
- Green beans: 4–5 pieces
- Spring onion (green part for garnish): 1/2 stalk
- Water or dashi stock: 1 liter
- Miso: 4–5 tablespoons
- Cooking oil (vegetable or sesame): 1 teaspoon
- Grated ginger: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Ichimi togarashi (optional chili powder): A pinch
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients
- Cut pork belly into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice daikon, carrot, and onion thinly. Cut gobo into small diagonal slices and soak in water to remove bitterness.
- Dice potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Chop green beans and spring onions.
- Cook the Pork
- Heat oil in a large pot. Add pork belly and cook until lightly browned. Remove excess oil if necessary.
- Add Vegetables
- Add all prepared vegetables except green beans and spring onions to the pot. Stir-fry lightly to release aromas.
- Simmer the Soup
- Pour in water or dashi stock and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add Miso and Ginger
- Dissolve miso in a ladle or small bowl using the soup broth, then mix into the pot. Add the grated ginger and stir well. Avoid boiling after adding miso to preserve its flavor.
- Finish and Garnish
- Add green beans and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Garnish with spring onions and serve hot. Optionally, sprinkle ichimi togarashi for an extra kick.
