Recipe: Spring Detox Vegetable Soup

A fantastic spring recipe aligned with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) ideology focuses on ingredients that support the liver and promote detoxification, as well as ingredients that are nourishing, fresh, and in season. This tasty recipe featuring lovely spring vegetables features onions, ginger, garlic and nettles, and can be made thick and chunky or light and refreshing to taste. Feel free to add to the amounts or reduce according to preference!

Spring Detox Fresh Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup asparagus, chopped
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup nettle leaves (or substitute with kale if unavailable)
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 tbsp miso paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop all the vegetables. If using nettle leaves, wear gloves while handling them as they can sting before being cooked.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the Vegetables and Liquids: Add the chopped asparagus, carrots, mushrooms, and peas to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

4. Add the Greens: Stir in the spinach and nettle leaves (or kale) and cook for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted.

5. Season the Soup: Stir in the miso paste and soy sauce or tamari. Add the lemon juice for a touch of acidity. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Benefits in TCM:

• Asparagus and Spinach: Support liver function and detoxification.
• Nettle Leaves: Highly nutritious and help cleanse the blood.
• Ginger and Garlic: Promote digestion and improve circulation.
• Miso Paste: Contains probiotics that aid digestion.
• Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor and provide additional nutrients.

This soup is light, nourishing, and packed with seasonal vegetables that support the body’s natural detoxification processes, making it an ideal recipe for spring according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.