My latest recipe from my upcoming book, The Lotus Kitchen is Miso Soup. New Years seems to be a perfect time to make this great meal. For over 2,500 years miso has been a staple in Chinese and Japanese diets, where most people greet their day with a warm bowl of miso for breakfast to energize their bodies and stimulate digestion. Miso is a powerful detoxifier containing essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. You can make this soup for a crowd or you can store it in the refrigerator and enjoy a hot cup in the morning before you begin your yoga practice.
8 cups water
1 inch fresh ginger, finely chopped
1 cup Shiro miso (a fermented soybean paste)
Bunch of scallions, thinly sliced
1-cup firm tofu, chopped 1/4 of an inch
Bring 7 ½ cups of water and ginger to a boil. Whisk miso and 1/2 cup water in a small bowl until smooth and whisk into soup. Add tofu and scallions and simmer for a few minutes before serving. Serves 8-10
The Practice: The healing properties of Miso bring you back to a state of equilibrium as does the classic yoga pose Downward Facing Dog. It is a perfect pose to rest, so we may begin again. When the practice brings you to fatigue, remember Downward Facing Dog and the perfect equilibrium.
Downward Facing Dog Pose(Adho Mukha Svanasana) Instruction: From a kneeling position place hands and feet on the mat and lift the hips toward the sky to create the perfect upside down V shape. Hands should be shoulder width apart and feet hip width apart, spreading fingers and toes to create a strong base. While practicing Downward Facing Dog, create a mantra or chant that states that you are whole and renewed. Create an affirmation that affirms your healing is taking place now. For example: “My body knows how to heal itself and I am open and will allow it to be.”