Roasted Garlic Miso Soup with Greens

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

If you’re craving a warming, nutritious, and flavor-packed bowl of soup, Roasted Garlic Miso Soup with Greens is a perfect choice. Combining the rich, umami depth of miso with the earthy sweetness of roasted garlic, this soup delivers comfort in every spoonful. The addition of fresh greens, such as spinach or kale, adds not only nutritional benefits but also a lovely burst of color and texture, making this soup a balanced and satisfying meal.

This Roasted Garlic Miso Soup is easy to prepare, and it can be customized to your tastes by adjusting the types of greens or adding extra vegetables. Whether you’re a miso soup enthusiast or a newcomer to this classic dish, you’re sure to enjoy this version that is simple yet deeply flavorful. Best of all, this recipe is Halal-friendly—free from pork, bacon, or any wine, making it suitable for everyone.

In this article, we’ll dive into why this soup is a must-try, provide step-by-step instructions for preparing it, and offer helpful tips to elevate the dish. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, a comforting lunch, or as a healthy starter for your meal, Roasted Garlic Miso Soup with Greens will become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: Roasting garlic brings out its sweetness and depth, creating a rich base for the miso. The miso itself adds that classic savory umami flavor, creating a soup that is both satisfying and nourishing.
• Nutritious Greens: Fresh greens like spinach, kale, or bok choy add valuable vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this soup not only delicious but also healthy and light.
• Quick and Easy: This soup is incredibly easy to make. It’s a great weeknight meal, and it takes only around 30 minutes to prepare.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with the type of greens or even add extra vegetables to your liking. You can also adjust the level of miso to suit your taste.
• Halal-Friendly: With no pork, bacon, or wine involved, this recipe adheres to Halal dietary guidelines, making it suitable for all.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 35 minutes (10 minutes for prep, 25 minutes for cooking)
• Servings: This recipe serves about 4 people, depending on portion size.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 180, Protein: 6g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 8g.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the garlic and aromatics.
• 1 head garlic: Roasted for a rich, sweet flavor.
• 4 cups vegetable broth: The base of the soup, offering a savory depth.
• 3 tablespoons white miso paste: Provides the signature umami flavor.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: For added depth and saltiness.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Balances the richness of the miso with a touch of acidity.
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Adds warmth and a bit of spice to the soup.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: For a hint of nutty flavor.
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional): For a little heat, if desired.

For the Greens:

• 4 cups fresh spinach or kale: Any greens of your choice work well, though spinach and kale are common choices for this recipe.
• 1 cup bok choy or any other leafy greens (optional): To enhance the texture and variety.

Optional Garnishes:

• 2 boiled eggs (optional): For added protein and richness.
• Chopped green onions: To add freshness and flavor.
• Sesame seeds: For a crunchy texture and an extra layer of flavor.
• Nori (seaweed): For garnish, giving the soup an authentic Japanese feel.
• Chili oil (optional): For an extra kick of heat and flavor.

Step-by-Step

Preparation

FIRST STEP: ROASTING THE GARLIC

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roasting garlic brings out its sweetness and mellowes the sharpness, transforming it into a smooth, caramelized flavor that complements the miso perfectly.
2. Prepare the Garlic: Take a head of garlic and slice the top off, exposing the individual cloves. Drizzle the garlic with olive oil and wrap it in aluminum foil.
3. Roast the Garlic: Place the wrapped garlic in the preheated oven and roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Once roasted, remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool. Once cooled, squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins and set them aside.

SECOND STEP: MAKING THE SOUP BASE

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the roasted garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth, white miso paste, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir to combine the ingredients, making sure the miso paste dissolves completely in the broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Infuse with Sesame Oil: Add the sesame oil and chili flakes (if using) to the broth, stirring to integrate the flavors. Let the soup continue to simmer for about 10-15 minutes.

THIRD STEP: ADDING THE GREENS

1. Prepare the Greens: While the soup base is simmering, wash and prepare the greens. If using spinach, simply chop it into bite-sized pieces. If using kale, remove the stems and chop the leaves into smaller pieces. Bok choy can be roughly chopped as well.
2. Add the Greens: Add the prepared greens to the simmering soup. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until the greens are tender but still vibrant in color. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more soy sauce or miso paste if needed.

FINAL STEP: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Prepare Optional Garnishes: If desired, soft-boil eggs by placing them in boiling water for 6-7 minutes. Peel the eggs and cut them in half. Prepare chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and nori for garnishing.
2. Serve the Soup: Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each with the boiled egg halves (if using), green onions, sesame seeds, and nori. If you enjoy spice, drizzle a little chili oil over the top.
3. Enjoy: Serve the soup hot and enjoy the comforting warmth and depth of flavor with each spoonful.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Miso Soup with Greens

This Roasted Garlic Miso Soup with Greens is a wonderful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways:

1. As a Starter for a Larger Meal

This soup makes an excellent appetizer for an Asian-inspired meal. Pair it with sushi, rice dishes, or a light salad to create a well-rounded, delicious meal.

2. As a Light Lunch

The soup on its own is perfect for a light and healthy lunch. With the addition of greens and miso, it’s satisfying and nourishing, providing you with the energy you need for the rest of the day.

3. Pair with a Side of Rice or Noodles

For a more filling meal, serve the soup alongside a side of steamed rice or noodles. Rice adds a comforting starch, while noodles bring a satisfying texture to the dish.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Simply store the soup in airtight containers, and when ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage, although the greens may lose some texture once thawed.

Additional Tips

1. Use Miso Paste Wisely: Miso comes in different varieties, such as white, yellow, and red miso. White miso is milder and sweeter, while red miso is stronger and saltier. You can adjust the type of miso according to your preference, but for a smoother, lighter flavor, white miso is ideal.
2. Adjust the Salt Level: Depending on the type of miso and soy sauce you use, the soup may require more or less salt. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
3. Add Tofu: For extra protein, you can add tofu cubes to the soup. Silken tofu is particularly nice in miso soup as it adds a creamy texture that complements the broth.
4. Customize the Greens: While spinach and kale are commonly used in this soup, feel free to experiment with other greens like swiss chard or bok choy, or even add other vegetables like mushrooms or carrots.

Recipe Variations

While Roasted Garlic Miso Soup with Greens is delicious as is, you can try these variations to switch things up:

1. Add Protein

To make the soup more filling, add some protein such as cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp. This will provide a heartier meal option.

2. Add Mushrooms

Mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, pair perfectly with miso and add an earthy flavor. Sauté them in the pot before adding the broth for an added depth of flavor.

3. Make it Spicy

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, add a few sliced chili peppers or a splash of hot sauce. You can also increase the chili flakes in the recipe to suit your preference.

Freezing and Storage

This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the soup (without the greens) for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove and then add fresh greens before serving.

Special Equipment

You don’t need any special equipment to make this soup, but having the following tools will make the process easier:

• Large Pot: For simmering the broth and vegetables.
• Garlic Roasting Dish: A small roasting dish or foil will do the trick for the garlic.
• Soup Ladle: For serving the soup into bowls.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular garlic instead of roasted garlic? Yes, but roasted garlic provides a sweeter, mellower flavor. You can sauté regular garlic for a more pungent flavor.
2. Can I make this soup vegan? Yes, just substitute the miso paste with a vegan version and omit the egg garnish.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this soup in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add the greens just before reheating to keep them fresh.

Print

Conclusion

Roasted Garlic Miso Soup with Greens is a comforting, nutritious, and flavorful dish that everyone will love. It’s quick to prepare, Halal-friendly, and full of umami goodness. Whether you serve it as a starter or a light meal, this soup will satisfy your cravings and nourish your body. Don’t forget to experiment with different greens and ingredients to make it your own. Enjoy this soothing bowl of warmth!