MISO VEGGIE NOODLE SOUP

4 servings, 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS

Broth

• 2 tbsp ghee or avocado oil

• 1/2 cup leeks, thinly sliced (white/light green parts only)

• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

• 1-2 cloves garlic, chopped (optional, omit if sattvic - see notes below)

• 1 tsp coriander, freshly ground

• 1/4 tsp ground turmeric 

• 6 cups vegetable broth (add more if needed for desired soup consistency)

Veggies & protein

• 3 medium carrots, chopped

• 1 medium head of broccoli, rinsed and chopped into bite-sized florets

• 14 oz (1 block) firm or extra-firm tofu, chopped into small cubes

Miso/tahini mixture

• 4-6 tbsp white miso paste (start with 4 and adjust to taste - Misos can vary in their saltiness)

• 2 tbsp tahini 

• 1 tbsp coconut aminos or tamari

• Salt to taste

Noodles & greens

• 8 oz soba noodles 

• 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach (or chopped kale)

Optional toppings

• Toasted sesame seeds

• Cilantro or parsley, chopped

• Drizzle of toasted sesame oil

• Dash of red pepper flakes

• Fresh lemon or lime wedges, for serving

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large soup pot, warm ghee or sesame oil over medium heat. Add leeks and sauté 2–3 minutes until softened. Add grated ginger and coriander and cook 1 more minute until fragrant. Add carrots & broccoli and sauté with spices for 1-2 minutes.

2. Add vegetable broth and turmeric and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 7-10 minutes or until the veggies are tender.

3. Stir in cubed tofu. Simmer 3–4 more minutes on low heat.

4. While all this is heating, cook the noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add soba noodles and cook according to package directions (usually 4–5 minutes). Drain, rinse, and set aside.

5. Prepare the miso mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the miso/ tahini mixture plus 1/2 cup of the warm broth from the pot until smooth and creamy.

6. Turn off the heat. Stir in the greens. Stir the miso-tahini mixture. Adjust salt & pepper to taste.

7. Divide soba noodles between four bowls. Ladle the broth with tofu and veggies over the noodles.

8. Top with toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro or parsley, a drizzle of toasted sesame oil, and a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice.

#soup #asain #fall #winter #vata #pitta #kapha

Notes

• This meal has the cozy comforting feel of ramen - just made in a sattvic way (mind & body harmonizing).

• If you are going for a non-sattvic way and want to add more flavor - feel free to use a bit of garlic and/ or mushrooms. This would be delicious and not that off-brand with sattva as long as you don't over-do it with these ingredients. If you are sick, getting sick, or someone in your household is sick, feel free to load it up with the garlic.