visit the Traditional Asian Health Center Site! visit the Richmond Acupuncture & Wellness Site! visit the East west Wing Chun Kung Fu Site!
Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and Martial Arts in Richmond Virginia

RECIPE: MISO SOUP

Miso, or fermented bean paste, is commonly used in Asian cooking. In Chinese Medicine, we think that it helps to strongly strengthen the Spleen system.

One of the easiest ways to incorporate Miso into your diet is through Miso soup, a Japanese favorite. The beautiful thing about Miso Soup is that it is very easy to make and you can add virtually anything into it-- you can choose ingredients that help your particular constitution.

Actions:

  • Strengthen the Spleen

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • Water:     6 cups
  • Dashi (fish base for soup):     1 TBSP
  • Miso Paste:     1 Heaping TBSP
  • Options (typically, chose 2-3):
    • Tofu:     half a block, cubed
    • Wakame:     1/4 cup
    • Tofu Skin puffs:     1 cup
    • potato:     1 small, cubed
    • carrots:     1/2
    • button mushrooms:     1/2 cup
    • scallions:     2 stalks, cut thin

Directions:

  1. In a saucepan add dashi to water. Bring to a boil.
  2. Add in the optional ingredients you want
  3. After boiling 5 minutes, lower heat to low.
  4. Take your heaping teaspoon of miso paste and scrape small layers into the soup to let it disolve.
  5. Remove from the heat and serve
  6. Scallions really make it taste great, add them AFTER you put them in individual bowls



HERBS USED


Huang Qi (Astragalus)is a strong immune booster.


Gou Qi (Wolfberry) is generally nourishing.

Green Onions promote a smooth flow of Liver Qi

Wood Ears nourish the Yin of the body