Nanakusa-Shiru

By Nemo

A porridge requiring seven different, distinct greens. Throw in cooked rice almost at the last minute, keeping the grains whole and distinct, and creating more of a soup in the end. Warming, soothing, quick and brothy, it’s a perfect option for anyone feeling under the weather, too. Though the greens do wilt down considerably, this recipe still makes a whole lot of food, so you may want to keep the rice on the side for future leftovers, instead of letting it sit and soften in the leftover soup.

Ingredients

• 1 Medium Leek, Thoroughly Cleaned and Sliced into Half-Moons
• 2 Stalks Celery, with Leaves, Chopped
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Finely Minced
• 1 Square Kombu
• 5 -6 Cups Water
• 3 – 4 Tablespoons Aka (Red) Miso
• 4 Cups Cooked Brown Rice
• 1/2 Pound Fresh Kale, Stemmed and Chopped or Torn
• 1/2 Pound Fresh Baby Spinach
• 1/2 Pound Fresh Romaine, Chopped
• 4 – 5 Scallions, Thinly Sliced
• 1/2 Cup Parsley, Roughly Chopped
• Toasted Sesame Seeds
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)

Details

Servings 8
Adapted from bittersweetblog.com

Preparation

Step 1

Set a large stock pot on the stove over moderate heat, and add in the leek, celery, garlic, kombu, and water. Bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15 – 20 minutes, until the garlic has mellowed and the veggies softened. Carefully remove the kombu, and slice it into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the pot.

In a small dish, place the miso paste, and add in a splash of water from the stock pot. Mix well so that the miso is completely dissolved and no lumps remain. Pour the miso liquid back into the pot, and stir to incorporate. Add in the cooked rice, along with all of the remaining greens and herbs. You may need to add the greens in batches, stirring each one in gently until wilted enough to make more room in the soup pot. Cook for just 2 more minutes, and turn off the heat.

Ladle out portions into bowls, including a good amount of broth for each one, and top each serving with a light sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds and red pepper flakes as desired.