Miso... is so delicious!

One of my favorite things is to make a big batch of Miso Soup so I can enjoy a warm, tasty, and nutritious meal whenever I need. I like to savor a bowl first thing in the morning or after dinner if I need a little something before reaching bedtime. I've made it many ways before but my favorite is the recipe from The Kind Mama.

Kabocha & Wakame Miso Soup
Put water into a pot - how much depends on your preference for broth-to-ingredients ratio. Soak the Wakame (the seaweed) and Shiitake Mushroom to re-hydrate. After they're softened and plump, either scoop or strain them out - chop Wakame if the pieces are too big. Keep the soaking water.

Heat the soaking water to boiling over medium heat. Add: Wakame, Shiitake Mushroom... and Kabocha Squash, Daikon, Leek, and Red Onion. Use your desired amount of everything and chop to your desired size. Boil for about 15 minutes, until all the veggies are soft.

Put 2-3 tbsp or more Miso paste (depends on flavor preference) into a small bowl. Only use the refrigerated kind that contains living probiotic culture (NOT the powder kind). Ladle a couple big spoonfuls of the hot water into the bowl to dissolve the Miso. Turn down the heat to very low. Add the Miso to the pot and it should just be warm enough for you to see the Miso swirl on its own, but DO NOT let the water boil... even with small bubbles... because then you'll destroy all the living nutritious goodness of the Miso.

Here are 10 scientifically researched benefits of Miso:
1. Contains all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.
2. Stimulates the secretion of digestive fluids in the stomach.
3. Restores beneficial probiotics to the intestines.
4. Aids in the digestion and assimulation of foods in the intestines.
5. Is a good vegetable source of B vitamins (especially B12).
6. Strengthens the quality of blood & lymph fluid.
7. Reduces risk for breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers.
8. Protects against radiation due to dipilocolonic acid.
9. Strengthens immune system & helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
10. Is high in antioxidants that protect against free radicals.

And while we're at it... some benefits of Wakame! Magnesium, Iodine, Calcium, Iron, Vitamins (A, B2 - riboflavin, C, D, E, K), Folate, and Lignans.  If you don't normally eat sea vegetables, you need to get at it. Seriously.

This Miso Soup is so filling and delicious... and packs a serious health punch. So, next time you've got the sniffles or feel a bit under-the-weather... don't reach for the canned stuff filled with sodium, preservatives, and year-old 'shelf stable' noodles & junk. Treat your body and yourself to this elixir of health. Yum!