Ingredients

  • 2 ounces dried shiitake mushrooms
  • 4 cups (1 quart) low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup dry sake
  • 1/2 pound pancetta, small dice
  • 8 ounces fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons chile-garlic sauce
  • 2 scallions, ends trimmed and thinly sliced, for garnish

Method

  • Combine mushrooms, 1 cup of the vegetable broth, and sake in a medium bowl and set aside for 30 minutes until mushrooms are reconstituted.
  • Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and cook pancetta until golden brown and crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Remove pancetta with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  • Combine remaining 3 cups vegetable broth and 2 cups water in a medium pot over medium heat.
  • Once simmering, add mushroom mixture (liquid too), pancetta, and spinach.
  • Stir in sesame oil and chile-garlic sauce and adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Garnish with scallions and serve.