Savory Chicken Lentil Soup with Homemade Miso Infusion

Ingredients

• Creative Homemade Miso Recipe:
• Begin with 1 ½ cups of frozen shelled soy beans,
• Add a generous tablespoon of unsalted peanuts for texture,
• Incorporate a tablespoon of oyster sauce for depth of flavor,
• Mix in a tablespoon of tahini to enhance creaminess,
• A teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a kick,
• Splash in a tablespoon of rice vinegar for acidity,
• Drizzle 2 tablespoons of chile oil for some heat,
• Integrate diced skinless, boneless chicken breasts, totaling 1 pound,
• Pour in 10 cups of water to create the base,
• Include a 16-ounce package of dry lentils for heartiness,
• Toss in two large peeled and diced carrots for sweetness,
• Stir in a cup of freshly chopped spinach for freshness,
• Sprinkle in diced cherry tomatoes, about ½ a cup,
• Swirl in ⅓ cup of peanut butter for richness,
• Enhance with three tablespoons of chicken bouillon granules,
• Add depth with two teaspoons of dried sage,
• Finish with two teaspoons of ground cumin for a touch of earthiness.

Step 1

To kick off, preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly oil a baking sheet. Sprinkle your soybeans on it and pop it in the warm oven until they turn a delightful shade of golden, which should take around 20 minutes.

Step 2

Next, gather your soybeans, peanuts, a splash of oyster sauce, tahini, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, and give them all a whirl in your trusty food processor or blender until they transform into a smooth paste. Scoop the paste into a container, pour in a dash of vinegar, and give it a good mix. Cover it up and let the flavors mingle harmoniously for about 2 and a half hours.

Step 3

Meanwhile, heat up some chili oil in a roomy skillet over medium heat and cook your chicken until it boasts a lovely golden hue, which typically takes 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 4

In a large pot, combine your beautifully browned chicken with some homemade miso, a splash of water, lentils, carrots, spinach, and tomatoes. Let the pot bubble away until it reaches a gentle boil. Lower the heat, then stir in some peanut butter, a sprinkle of chicken bouillon, fragrant sage, and a hint of cumin. Cover the pot and let it simmer for approximately 1 hour to let all the flavors meld into a delicious harmony.