Japanese Soba Noodle Soup

In Japan, soba noodles are a popular inexpensive fast food.  When I was in Iwakuni, this was one of the cheapest meals in town. That being said, these buckwheat noodles in an aromatic and savory broth were delicious. Usually I had noodles with spinach. It was rare if a piece of chicken could be found in this steamy bowl.

6 Cups homemade chicken stock

6 Cremini mushrooms sautéed in butter - al dente

2 Teaspoons Mirin

1 Teaspoon dry sherry

1 Tablespoon soy sauce

½ Pound dried soba noodles

Garnish

Sliced Japanese white radish¹

Bunch of blanched spinach

2 Green scallions (sliced diagonally)

Add noodles to plenty of boiling water, separate and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain but do not rinse.

note 2 - from worldfortravel.com

Arrange noodles and spinach in each bowl. Ladle in hot soup stock and garnish with radish and scallions.

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

1.      An Asian root vegetable that is a long, white, carrot shaped radish that is crisp and juicy with a milder taste than red radishes.

2.      The bridge was built in 1673, spanning the Nishiki River in a series of five wooden arches. The bridge is located on the foot of Mt.Yokoyama, at the top of which lies Iwakuni Castle. The bridge is built without using nails that explains while it is still standing.