Here is an easy, cleansing, and warming winter recipe that one of our staff members- Christine– loves to make. Christine is a massage therapist who specializes in Swedish, Prenatal, Hot Stone and New Mama massage. In addition she is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor.
What you will need:
- An 8 C or 2 quart sized pot
- Some fresh veggies (some great veggies are carrot, daikon, onion, celery, fresh gingerroot (grated), cabbage, shiitake mushrooms (this kind is a great medicinal mushroom, however mushrooms in general should be avoided if one has or suspects yeast overgrowth. Do not buy button mushrooms – they are slightly carcinogenic)
- A dark leafy green (kale, spinach or chard)
- Miso paste
- 100% buckwheat noodles (optional)
- A hearty seaweed in small pieces (I like wakame)
- 2 organic green tea bags
- Sea salt to taste
If you would like to add buckwheat noodles, cook first, then drain and rinse
Instructions:
- Chop Veggies to bite-size pieces
- Place all but the greens in the pot
- Add enough water to fill ½ of the way
- Bring to a quick boil, then immediately turn heat down to low
- Place 2 green tea bags in soup and let steep for 3 minutes (do not over-steep as the tea will turn bitter)
- Take a little of the hot water from the soup, and mix it in a separate glass jar or bowl with 2-4 T miso (for taste) This is so the miso gets incorporated well
- Add the miso/water back to the soup
- Now add the chopped leafy greens
- Serve in two bowls, and add sea salt as desired
Enjoy!
A little bit about why Christine thinks this recipe is so awesome!
1- Green tea is loaded with antioxidants, and provides a little lift. I find it suits me well if I eat it at dinner time (I am still able to sleep fine) but if you are affected by caffeine try using decaf.
2- Most grains are heavy, acid-forming, and can create yeast imbalances. Some, like buckwheat, are excellent options if you are craving a heavier meal. Opt for the 100% buckwheat noodles if you can find them (People’s Co-op in SE carries them!).
3- Seaweeds are cleansing and mineralizing.
4- No fried oils are required (and yet this is still packed with flavor!). Fried oils can be carcinogenic, and also slow down digestion.
5- Miso is a probiotic food, which boosts immunity and digestion.
6- And, my personal rule no matter where I am or what I eat – leafy greens at every meal!
