Give Chicken Noodle Soup More Depth With One Simple Addition

Choosing the right miso for your bowl

After incorporating broth into the pot, give the mixture a good stir to prevent any unsightly clumps of miso from forming in the final dish. Be sure to let the soup simmer rather than boil, as boiling can compromise the delicate aromas of the miso paste. Once the soup has simmered and is ready, stir it again and serve immediately to keep the miso from settling at the bottom of the pot. While there are a few extra steps to consider when adding miso, we assure you that the effort is worthwhile.

Although adding a touch of miso to a soup is a straightforward choice, with over 1,000 different varieties of this paste available, selecting just one can be a challenge. Fortunately, nearly any type of miso will enhance chicken soup, as each variety contributes a similar umami flavor. Generally, lighter miso, such as yellow or white, offers a milder taste that complements the wholesome ingredients typically found in chicken soup recipes. In contrast, darker miso, like red or brown, provides a richer and more robust flavor. Both options should be readily available at your local grocery store or Asian market, so pick the one that best matches your palate. If you're wondering how to use up any leftover miso, consider adding this umami-rich paste to your pasta water next!