Super Simple Miso Soup

Red Miso Soup - Ready in Minutes

Sometimes the simple things in life are the best.  This is no secret to the Japanese, whose food is more often than not stupid simple, with an incredible depth of flavor.

These deep flavors mostly come from the use of umami, or savory flavors*.  Things like miso, soy sauce, mushrooms, and dashi-- staples in the Japanese pantry-- are all high in amino acids such as L-glutamate and 5'-ribonucleotides, which constitute the umami sensation.  Other foods high in umami include ripe tomatoes, beef, chicken, and fermented products such as fish sauce and certain cheeses.

Today, I'll be showing you how simple it is to create great flavor in only a matter of minutes with a favorite of mine: red miso soup.

A Better Egg (for Wraps and Sandwiches)

How many times have you sunk your teeth into a breakfast burrito and taken out half the bacon on the first bite?  Worse yet, how many times have you finished all of the bacon before the wrap is done?  Whether it be a fried egg and bacon on a burger or bagel, if you incorporate bacon directly into the whites, you're guaranteed to have crispy porky goodness in every bite.

A Spanish Classic: Tortilla Española

Chances are if you've been to Spain, you've probably had a version of this.  Also known as tortilla de patatas (to distinguish it from the tortilla francesa, which does not contain potatoes), this culinary creation is as versatile as it is ubiquitous in the Iberian peninsula.  That's right, even the Portuguese eat this, and you should too.