Japanese Country-Style Miso and Tofu (Hiya Shiru)

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. Place the sesame seeds and dried sardines in the work bowl of a small food processor and pulse until ground to a fine powder.

Place the dried sardine mixture in a large bowl and stir in the miso to make a very thick paste. Add boiling water and mix to a smooth creamy consistency and gently stir in the cubed tofu green onions and red pepper flakes.