Aduki bean noodle bowl

Ingredients

• 1 cups broth (low sodium)
• 2 cup water
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp garlic scapes, green part only (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp green onions (green part only), minced
• 1/8 tsp Asafoetida (Hing) powder
• 1 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tbsp tamari Lite
• 1 tbsp miso paste
• 1/2 tsp Sumac powder
• 1 tsp pure maple syrup
• 4 oz firm tofu, cubed
• 2 heads baby Bok Choy, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup Aduki (Adzuki) beans (canned)
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 oz brown rice vermicelli noodles
• 1/2 cup mung bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup radishes, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil, chopped
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. 1Bloom the Aromatics: In your pan, heat the 2 tbsp of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the green onions, garlic scapes, and the Asafoetida powder. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes. Sautéing the asafoetida in oil is crucial to remove its raw bitterness and release a rich, savory, chive-and-garlic-like aroma.
2. 2Add Spices & Ginger: Turn the heat down slightly and stir in the freshly grated ginger and Chinese five-spice. Start with 1/4 tsp and then add more to taste. A little goes a long way. Cook for 30 seconds until the spices smell highly fragrant.
3. 3Build the Liquid Base: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp of water, your miso paste, and the low-sodium tamari or soy sauce until perfectly smooth. Pour the vegetable broth and water into the pan, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir the smooth miso-tamari mixture into the broth alongside your maple syrup.
4. 4Simmer the Fillings: Gently toss in your sliced red bell pepper, chopped Bok Choy, rinsed Adzuki beans, and brown rice vermicelli noodles. Simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the noodles soften. In the final minute, gently slide in your cubed firm tofu so it warms through without crumbling.
5. 5Finish with Brightness: Turn off the heat. Stir in the Sumac powder directly into the hot broth to distribute that bright, tangy, citrus-mimicking note without introducing reflux triggers.
6. 6Plating: Ladle the noodles and rich broth into deep bowls. Add 1/4 cup mung bean sprouts and garnish generously with fresh sliced radishes, a handful of fragrant chopped Thai basil, and toasted sesame seeds.