Houtou Udon - Gaijin Style

2 packages of udon noodles
1/2 kaboucha or winter squash, washed and cut into slightly larger than bite size pieces
2 small potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 daikon, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 carrots, sliced thinly
1/2 medium onion, cut into bite-size pieces
pea pods, washed - enough for each bowl to get three
garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup miso paste
dashi and soy sauce to taste
ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
Tofu, cut into cubes

Fill a medium-sized pan half-way with water or about six cups. Stir in the miso, which will begin to dissolve as the water warms. Add the dashi and soy sauce to taste. Toss in the remaining ingredients, with the exception of the pea pods. Simmer until the squash and the potatoes cut easily with a knife. Add the pea pods at the very last so they are just gently steamed or heated through. They should be bright green with a bit of crunch by the time they arrive at the table.