Mushroom Udon Noodle Bowl
Recipe: https://recipestripper.com/recipes/96c2d649-1999-4517-8e29-707d367f1ae8
Original source: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019223-mushroom-udon-noodle-bowl

Topping the list of the most satisfying meals, a big steaming bowl of noodles in broth nurtures body and soul. Though many noodle soups rely on long-simmered meat stock, this vegetarian broth is quickly prepared and very flavorful. The recipe calls for thick chewy udon noodles, but use another type of noodle, if you wish.
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Total time: PT1H

Ingredients
- 3 large scallions, trimmed
- 1 handful dried shiitake mushrooms, crushed (about ½ cup)
- ¼ cup crumbled dried seaweed, such as kombu or dulse (optional)
- 1 (1-inch) chunk of ginger, smashed and unpeeled
- 2 whole, unpeeled garlic cloves
- Stems or trimmings from fresh shiitake mushrooms (see below) (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound dried udon noodles (or use fresh or frozen, cooked udon)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped leeks, white and pale green parts only
- 8 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps sliced in ¼-inch strips (save trimmings for broth)
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup mirin or dry sherry
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cups chopped bok choy
- ½ cup red or white miso
- 1 cup soft or medium tofu, cut in small cubes
- 4 scallions, finely chopped, for garnish
- Shichimi togarashi or crushed red-pepper flakes, for garnish

Instructions
1. Make the broth: In a large pot, bring 8 cups water to a boil over high heat. Add scallion, dried mushrooms, seaweed (if using), ginger, garlic, fresh mushroom trimmings and salt. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Strain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a separate pot, cook udon noodles until al dente, then drain, rinse well with cold water, and keep at room temperature.
3. In a soup pot, melt butter over medium-high heat and swirl to coat the bottom of the pot. Add leeks and sliced shiitake and cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add ginger, garlic, mirin, sesame oil and soy sauce and cook for 1 minute. Turn heat to high, add reserved broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Add bok choy and reserved noodles and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until greens are cooked and noodles are heated through. Gently stir in miso and tofu. Turn off heat.
5. Using tongs, divide noodles among 4 to 6 bowls. Ladle hot soup over noodles. Sprinkle with scallions and serve. Pass togarashi or crushed red pepper at the table.