Miso Soup for the Soul

If you are wondering how to nourish your Kidneys in Winter, then look no further than soup.  A good soup, as part of a nutritious diet supports the grounding and nourishment of our core.  It contains plenty of water, its warm and there are many ingredients we can use in a soup that support the Kidneys and Bladder, the organs that correspond to the Water element. The Water element likes the salty taste, as it constricts and consolidates Qi. Some salty flavoured foods added to your diet during winter can support this motion of Qi, drawing your energy towards the centre.

Which brings me to Miso! Miso is a salty fermented paste made from soya beans and a lovely addition to a nourishing winter soup. Here’s the up on Miso for you.

• It’s a fabulous source of protein
• It contains a trace of vitamin B12.
• It’s a ‘live’, fermented food so it helps aid digestion and assimilation.
• It is alkanising to the system
• Traditionally it’s known to promote resistance to disease and support good health.

Here’s an easy miso soup recipe that will nourish and warm your Kidneys and Build Qi. Enjoy!

Miso, ginger and vegetable soup (serves 4)

• 1 litre water or homemade stock
• 2 – 3 tablespoons miso paste
• 1 – 2 cups chopped vegetables (pumpkin, carrot, zucchini, spinach, cabbage, mushrooms, sprouts)
• 3 chopped spring onions
• 1 tspn sesame oil
• 1 tspn grated ginger

Place the chopped vegetables in the water or stock with the ginger and sesame oil. Bring to the boil, then turn the heat down low, cover the pot and simmer until the vegetables are just tender.  Turn heat off and leave the soup for 5 minutes.  Mix the miso and ½ cup of the broth in a small bowl until creamy.  Gently mix the miso back into the soup and it’s ready to serve.  No need to boil the soup again as this destroys the enzymes in the miso.  Serve the soup with a sprinkle of spring onions. Enjoy!

Note: You can also add your favourite noodles to this soup to make it a more substantial meal.