3 Winter Warmers: 1) Spinach, Tofu & Miso Soup

Because the weather has been (and, as it appears, will continue to be) cold for the foreseeable future, I've decided to post some of my favourite soup recipes for you to try at home.

Soup, in general, is easy to make. All you need is stock, vegetables and meat (optional). It's a great way to use up unwanted veg and freezes very well too (as long as there is no cream). The best thing about making your own soup is that you can experiment with so many different flavours and styles just by the ingredients you use. I always make a huge pot of soup and it lasts for days.

To get you started, here are three of my favourite recipes.

Spinach, Tofu & Miso Soup

I was worried when I first made this particular dish as my parents are the traditional Irish parents, whose concept of soup ranges from Chicken to Mushroom or (if they are being fancy) Carrot & Coriander. So making a miso soup with tofu was completely out of their comfort zone. After explaining what tofu was to them, they loved it and had 2 bowls each. I think that says it all. 

Ingredients:

1 tbsp Olive Oil

1 Onion (finely chopped)

1 Carrot (finely chopped)

1 inch Root Ginger (finely chopped/ crushed)

1 clove Garlic

2 1/2 pints Vegetable Stock

250g Tofu

250g Spinach

2 tbsp Miso Paste

Spring Onion (to garnish)

Method:

• Fry onions & carrot for 3 minutes until onions are translucent.
• Add ginger & garlic and fry.
• Add vegetable stock and bring to the boil.
• Add tofu and allow to boil for 2 minutes.
• Add spinach, bring back to boil and cook until spinach has wilted. 
• Bless miso with a little cold water to a pouring consistency. 
• Remove soup from heat and stir in the miso. 
• Serve with sprinkled spring onion. 
• Enjoy