Yunnanese-Style Pork and Rice Noodle Soup

The Yunnan province in Southwestern China is famous for its rice noodles. One of the most popular soups, known as “small pot noodles,” traditionally is served in individually sized clay pots, and diners garnish as they wish. To simplify preparation, we cook ours in one pot. Typically, the soup includes round rice noodles that are about the thickness of spaghetti or a little thinner. Look for Chinese noodles labeled Guilin or JiangXi or equivalently sized Vietnamese rice noodles; gluten-free rice-based spaghetti also works well. Be sure to use red miso, which is darker in color and saltier than white miso, as the latter would make the soup too sweet. Condiments really enhance the dish, so add a drizzle of chili oil and a splash of vinegar and soy sauce to taste. If you can find pickled cabbage or mustard greens in an Asian market, chop some up for a tangy garnish.