Miso Hungry!

I consider myself nothing short of an expert at living well and being poor simultaneously.  It can be done; one can have a low income but also indulge in life's luxuries.

One way that I live well on a low income is by cooking healthy meals at home that come at a significantly low cost.  Rest assured, it is easier to do than you may perceive.

One of my favorite things to eat is home made miso soup.  Not only is miso very healthy, but also very inexpensive.  Soup is very filling because it consists primarily of liquid, and it's also easy on the wallet.

I buy refrigerated miso paste from the Asian market because, not only does it make more meals, but it doesn't contain any MSG which is harmful to my health.  One package of miso costs about $3.99 at my local grocer, and I estimate that one package makes about 20 bowls of soup.  Green onions and frozen vegetables are also inexpensive, so I estimate that a bowl of miso (the way I make it) costs around 50 cents per bowl to make, but likely even less.

Above is the type of miso I use.  It is available at most Asian grocery stores.
Here is my recipe:

Miso Hungry Soup (for one):

1 1/2 cups of water

1 Tbsp of miso paste

a dash of sesame oil

1 squirt of Sriracha

1 green onion, chopped

1 handful of spinach (fresh or frozen)

1 handful of frozen peas

1 egg

optional:  vegetable dumplings

Directions:  Heat the water to just below a boil.  Add the sesame oil and Sriracha.  Dissolve the miso paste in the water, stirring until it is completely dissolved.  Add the onion, spinach, and peas.  After simmering for 3-5 minutes, crack the egg into the soup and stir.  Do not boil, but heat and stir until the egg is cooked. **If you decide to add vegetable dumplings, add them at the same time you add the vegetables.  

Enjoy!