Hearty Adzuki Bean Soup

Method:

Bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add all remaining ingredients, except almonds and sesame oil, and simmer, covered, for about an hour, or until beans are very soft.

Puree with a handheld or regular blender. If needed, add more water to create your desired consistency. Season to taste.

Drizzle with sesame oil, garnish with some toasted, slivered almonds, and serve.

Ingredients:

• 6 C vegetable broth
• 1 1/2 C dried adzuki beans, rinsed
• 1/2 C dried shiitake mushrooms
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1 5cm piece kombu
• 1/4 C toasted, slivered almonds, for garnish
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, for drizzling
• Salt and pepper, to taste