Japanese Red Pine Nut Soup Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup red pine nuts
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
- Fine mesh strainer

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add the red pine nuts and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Once cooled, blend the mixture in a blender or food processor until smooth.
5. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any solids.
6. Return the mixture to the pot and add soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar.
7. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth.
8. Add the cornstarch mixture to the pot and stir well.
9. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce heat to low.
10. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
- Simmer on low heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Red pine nuts can be substituted with regular pine nuts or cashews.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Sake can be substituted with dry white wine or rice vinegar.
- Mirin can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Cornstarch can be substituted with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.

Variations:
- Add diced tofu or cooked chicken for added protein.
- Add sliced mushrooms or diced carrots for added texture and flavor.
- Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro for added freshness.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to strain the mixture well to ensure a smooth and creamy soup.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more or less soy sauce, sake, mirin, or sugar.
- If the soup is too thick, add more water to thin it out.

Storage instructions:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in individual bowls with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Garnishes:
- Chopped scallions
- Cilantro
- Sesame oil
- Sesame seeds

Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Grilled vegetables
- Miso soup

Suggested side dishes:
- Edamame
- Seaweed salad
- Pickled vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to thicken it up.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the pine nuts thoroughly to avoid any potential foodborne illnesses.

Food history:
- Pine nuts have been used in Japanese cuisine for centuries, and are often used in soups and stews.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy and nutty, with a hint of sweetness from the mirin and sugar.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a comforting soup on a cold day.

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Region: Japanese

Taste: Savory, Umami, Nutty, Creamy, Mild