Meals Matter

Miso Soup

Contributed By: dhanyaka
Dr. Weil's Optimum Health Plan

Miso soup is the Japanese version of chicken soup - a combination soul food and comfort food. It is traditionally eaten at breakfast in Japan as a daily staple. Miso is a paste made from fermented soybeans, and is full of antioxidants like vitamin E, as well as protective fatty acids. It's healthful and delicious, and the Japanese say that the linoleic acid in miso promotes soft skin. The soybeans miso is made from also contain isoflavones and other elements that provide protection against some forms of cancer. To preserve these properties, miso should not be boiled. Add it to a soup after it has been removed from direct heat.

Ingredients

2 tsp Canola oil

3 slices Fresh ginger root

1 Large onion

2 Carrots, peeled and thinly sliced

2 stalks Celery, thinly sliced

4 cups Coarsely chopped cabbage

5 cups Water

4 tbsp Miso (dark or light, available at natural-food stores)

Scallions

Sesame oil (optional)

Preparation

1. Heat canola oil in large pot. Add ginger and onion, thinly sliced. Saute over medium heat for 5 minutes and add carrots, celery, and cabbage. Stir well.

2. Add water, bring rapidly to a boil, then lower heat and simmer covered till carrots are tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Place miso in a bowl, add a little of the vegetable broth, and stir well into a smooth paste. Add more broth to thin the mixture, then add to the pot of soup. Let rest for a few minutes.

4. Serve in bowls with chopped raw scallions. You may wish to remove the sliced ginger before serving, and you can add a few drops of roasted (dark) sesame oil to each bowl, if desired, for a smoother nutty flavor.

Cook's Notes

0mg cholesterol

Recipe Comments

Commented by: wbrand1

I prepared this soup for my class and they really enjoyed it. I did use some substitutions though. I substituted 1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger for whole ginger and I used a mushroom broth for 1/2 of the water content. It was good.

 

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Recipe Details

Total Preparation Time: Less than 15 minutes
Actual Cooking Time: 15 to 30 minutes
Number of Servings: 4
Origin: Asian
Special Features: Quick to Prepare (under 30 minutes)
Simple (6 ingredients or less)
Kids can help make it
Make Ahead
Vegetarian
Meal Type: Lunch
Appetizers
Soups & Stews

Nutrient Information

Calories: 108
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 675mg
Fiber: 3g