Step 1

In a pot, add 500ml (2 cups) cold water with 1-2 sheets of dried kelp kombu and 2 shiitake mushrooms.

Step 2

Put a lid on and leave to soak for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3

Once the kombu and shiitake have softened and released their flavour, remove them from the water and discard. (You can cut up the mushrooms and add them back to the soup later if you don't want to waste them.)

Step 4

Cut the spring onions into diagonal pieces and the tofu into cubes.

Step 5

Peel the skin off of the ginger using a spoon (it works better than a peeler!) and then cut into fine slices.

Step 6

Add the ginger, tofu, spring onion and mushroom to the dashi and turn on the heat to medium.

Step 7

Bring to a boil and then turn off the heat.

Step 8

Place 2 tbsp of miso paste onto a mesh spoon or ladel and let some of the dashi water in. Whisk the miso paste and water together before incorporating it into the rest of the soup.

Step 9

Serve as a side dish and enjoy!