Monk’s Soup
Cooking Time
Prep Time
Difficulty
Cuisine
In the kitchens of monasteries, where time seems to stand still and simplicity is a way of life, monks have crafted nourishing dishes steeped in spirituality for centuries. Monk’s Soup is an ode to this tradition, a reminder of the values of balance, humility, and connection with nature. Each bowl tells a story of contemplation, where the simplest ingredients become treasures for the body and soul.
Maison Marmite has reimagined this timeless recipe by incorporating elements inspired by Asian flavors, such as miso and seaweed. These ingredients, while adding umami richness and nutritional benefits, create a universal bridge between world cuisines, connecting European monastic traditions with the spirituality of Asia. It’s a fusion that elevates this soup to new dimensions of flavor.
The vegetables, mushrooms, and seaweed intertwine to offer a subtle and soothing harmony. Miso, with its delicate umami, and a hint of fresh lemon bring a modern touch while honoring the connection between earth and water so cherished by spiritual communities.
Prepare this soup as a celebration of simplicity and depth. Serve it warm, and let its delicate flavors wrap you in peaceful and comforting serenity.
Monk’s Soup
Ingredients
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 carrot sliced into thin rounds
- 1 celery stalk chopped into small pieces
- 200 g of mushrooms shiitake or oyster mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 liter of vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon white miso
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
- A pinch of white pepper
- A few dried seaweed pieces (wakame or kombu)
- Fresh lemon juice (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
Preparation
- Rehydrate the seaweed in a little cold water for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat a bit of olive or sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté gently for 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the main flavors:
- Stir in the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Incorporate the spiritual elements:
- Dissolve the white miso in a small amount of warm broth before adding it to the soup.
- Stir in the tamari, white pepper, and rehydrated seaweed.
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes
- Season with salt to taste and adjust as needed.
- Add a drizzle of fresh lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
A recipe proposed by Maison Marmite
