Mushroom Udon Noodles

Ingredients for Broth:

• 3 large scallions, trimmed
• 1 handful dried shiitake mushrooms, crushed (about 1/2 cup)
• ¼ cup crumbled dried seaweed, such as kombu or dulse (optional)
• 1 (1-inch) chunk of ginger, smashed and unpeeled
• 2 whole, unpeeled garlic cloves
• Stems or trimmings from fresh shiitake mushrooms (see below) (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for Soup:

• 1 pound dried udon noodles (or use fresh or frozen, cooked udon)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chopped leeks, white and pale green parts only
• 8 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps sliced in 1/4-
• inch strips (save trimmings for broth)
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup mirin or dry sherry
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cups chopped bok choy
• ½ cup red or white miso
• 1 cup soft or medium tofu, cut in small cubes
• 4 scallions, finely chopped, for garnish
• Shichimi togarashi or crushed red-pepper flakes, for garnish

Preparation:

1. Make the broth: In a large pot, bring 8 cups water to a boil over high heat. Add scallion, dried mushrooms, seaweed (if using), ginger, garlic, fresh mushroom trimmings and salt. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Strain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a separate pot, cook udon noodles until al dente, then drain, rinse well with cold water, and keep at room temperature.
3. In a soup pot, melt butter over medium-high heat and swirl to coat the bottom of the pot. Add leeks and sliced shiitake and cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add ginger, garlic, mirin, sesame oil and soy sauce and cook for 1 minute. Turn heat to high, add reserved broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Add bok choy and reserved noodles and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until greens are cooked and noodles are heated through. Gently stir in miso and tofu. Turn off heat.
5. Using tongs, divide noodles among 4 to 6 bowls. Ladle hot soup over noodles. Sprinkle with scallions and serve. Pass togarashi

Yield:
4-6 servings

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