Japanese-Italian fusion

Here’s a recipe for Miso Pasta, a flavorful fusion dish combining creamy miso with Italian pasta:

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz (225 g) pasta (e.g., spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
  • 2 tablespoons white or yellow miso paste
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
  1. Prepare the Sauce:
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
  • Add the miso paste to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and soy sauce, stirring to combine.
  • Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Stir in the rice vinegar.
  1. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach the desired consistency.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese if using, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  1. Garnish and Serve:
  • Serve the miso pasta hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
  1. Enjoy:
  • This dish pairs well with a side of sautéed vegetables or a simple salad.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste! Would you like to know more about this dish or any other recipes?