This is quickest, most potent food medicine I have come to know and love.
Shiitake mushrooms alone are a powerhouse for healing; cilantro and parsley are detoxifying, turmeric is anti-inflammatory, cayenne liquefies mucus, cooked kale is densely packed with digestible phytonutrients and miso acts as an antioxidant.
This soup is relatively quick and low-maintenance, especially for the depth of nourishment it provides. And, if you’re not too familiar with miso paste, this is a great introduction into how to use it. With these potent ingredients, your body will be so grateful to absorb and assimilate this soup.
The technique of steeping in hot water delivers vegetables that are cooked without being over-cooked and the spices have had time to ruminate.
Ingredients
2 tsp coconut oil
1 carrot, sliced
1 green onion
½” grated ginger
¼ “ grated turmeric root
4-6 shiitake mushrooms
3 sprigs of kale
2 tsp miso paste
2 cardamom pods
- a dash of cumin powder
- black pepper to taste
- a pinch of cayenne (optional for pittas)
- salt to taste (depending on how salty your miso is)
¼ cup parsley, chopped
2 T cilantro, chopped
Optional: soba (buckwheat) noodles or rice noodles
Method
In a medium saucepan, melt coconut oil on medium heat.
In a kettle, boil 4-6 cups of water.
Slice carrots in thin circles and chop mushrooms.
Add mushrooms to pan and saute for 5 minutes.
Add carrots, and then the white parts of the green onion.
Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add in ginger and turmeric, followed by just-boiled water.
Put the lid on and turn the burner off.
Meanwhile chopped kale (remove stalks) and parsley, then add to soup.
Next, add spices and put the lid pack on immediately.
After 15 minutes-1 hour, turn heat to medium low.
Dissolve miso in a 2-3 Tbs water and then add to soup.
Stir and enjoy!
Top with cilantro and tops of the green onions and serve over buckwheat noodles.
Serves two.
Other considerations and variations…
If you do not have fresh ginger or turmeric root, sub ¼ tsp powder for each.
Could add wakame seaweed instead of OR in addition to kale.
If I have a radish on hand, I like to add it with the carrot.
Due to the heating nature of this soup (ie ginger, cayenne and miso), it may be slightly aggravating to pitta dosha. If you are feeling particularly fire-y, go easy on the medicinal miso.
As an alternative to buckwheat, I am WILD about Lotus Foods millet ramen noodles. They are THE best. Just make sure to store them separately from the soup if you have leftovers so they don’t dissolve!
Rice noodles are another great alternative.
I prefer red miso paste because it’s more flavourful, but yellow and white are all great options — they will provide a slightly more mild flavor, which might be nice if you’re new to miso.
Consider adding a protein, like tofu.
RESOURCES
Japanese Soy Bean Paste Miso Scavenges Free Radicals and Inhibits Lipid Peroxidation
Cilantro — Culinary Herb or Miracle Medicinal Plant?
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