INGREDIENTS:

1. 4 cups cold water
2. 1 piece kombu (dried kelp)
3. ½ cup dried bonito flakes
4. 3 dried shiitake mushrooms
5. ½ medium turnip, thinly sliced
6. 1 scallion, chopped
7. 2 tablespoons white miso paste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the soup base by combining the water, kombu, and bonito flakes in a large pot over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 3 minutes. Remove the kombu and add the mushrooms.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 30 minutes, then strain the broth. Broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
3. To make the soup, place the shiitake broth in a large pot over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the turnips and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender.
5. Add the scallions and cook for 1 minute.
6. Reduce the heat to low, whisk in the miso, and serve.

VARIATIONS:

1. Vegan Dashi: For a vegan version, omit the bonito flakes and increase the amount of dried shiitake mushrooms for a rich umami flavor. You can also add a small piece of dried seaweed like wakame for additional depth.
2. Seafood Delight: Enhance the soup by adding seafood. After straining the basic broth, return it to the pot and bring to a simmer. Add diced tofu, peeled shrimp, and sliced fish like salmon or cod. Cook until seafood is fully cooked, then add the turnips, scallions, and miso.
3. Tofu and Veggie: Make it heartier with tofu and more vegetables. Dice firm tofu and add it to the simmering broth along with thinly sliced carrots, baby spinach, and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables are tender, then add the turnips, scallions, and miso.
4. Spicy Miso: Add a spicy kick by mixing in some chili paste or chili oil along with the miso. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or Sichuan peppercorns for extra heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
5. Ramen-inspired: Turn this into a ramen-like dish by cooking your favorite type of ramen noodles separately and adding them to the finished soup. Top with sliced boiled eggs, nori seaweed, and sliced cooked pork or chicken.
6. Mushroom Lover’s Delight: Boost the mushroom flavor by sautéing a mix of fresh mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, and oyster) in a separate pan with a little butter or oil until golden brown. Add these sautéed mushrooms to the soup along with the turnips and scallions.
7. Seafood Miso Soup: Add a variety of seafood to the soup, such as shrimp, clams, or squid. You can use seafood broth as the base and enhance the umami flavor. Garnish with chopped green onions, and maybe a sprinkle of seaweed or sesame seeds.
8. Vegetarian Miso Soup: Omit the bonito flakes to make a vegetarian version. Add more mushrooms or other vegetables like tofu, carrots, and baby spinach to create a hearty and flavorful vegetarian miso soup.
9. Miso Vegetable Soup: Focus on a variety of vegetables. Use different types of mushrooms, sliced daikon radish, zucchini, and other seasonal vegetables. This variation can be a great way to enjoy a comforting and healthy vegetable-rich soup.
10. Spicy Miso Soup: Add some heat to your miso soup with a touch of chili paste or red pepper flakes. Be careful not to make it too spicy, as you still want to enjoy the delicate flavors of miso.