Japanese Country-Style Miso and Tofu (Hiya Shiru)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup dried Asian-style whole sardines
• 2 1/2 tablespoons red miso paste
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1 (16 ounce) package silken tofu
• cubed
• 4 green onions
• thinly sliced
• crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. In a dry heavy skillet over medium heat, stir the sesame seeds and dried sardines until they give off their fragrance but don't burn, about 2 minutes.
2. Place the sesame seeds and dried sardines in the work bowl of a small food processor, and pulse until ground to a fine powder.
3. Place the dried sardine mixture in a large bowl, and stir in the miso to make a very thick paste.
4. Add boiling water and mix to a smooth, creamy consistency, and gently stir in the cubed tofu, green onions, and red pepper flakes.