We all know that fermented foods are our best friends, and that we should eat at least two servings of them everyday. Fermented foods provide our gut with beneficial bacteria that help us stay healthy, vibrant, and happy, as good gut health is the key to our overall mental and physical wellness.

Check out this fun miso soup recipe from fellow health coach, Katarina Saxton, for a meal that will make your taste buds (and gut) happy.

Miso Tahini Soup

Serves 4

Prep time 10 min - Cook time: 15 min

Ingredients:

1 delicata or butternut squash, seeded and cut into cubes

1 medium white turnip, peeled and cut into cubes

4 cups water

4 tbsp white miso (or any miso you like and adjust the amount accordingly. Some misos are saltier than others).

1/4 cup tahini

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Optional accompaniments:

3 cups of cooked brown rice

1 avocado (sliced or cubed)

1 bunch of chives, minced

Toasted nori (or kale), crumbled for serving

Toasted sesame seeds

Preparation:

1. Toss the squash and turnip in oil, salt and garlic and broil in the oven for 10 minutes. This step is totally optional. Recipe did not call for it, but I feel that the flavors intensify when roasted.

2. Once roasted add the squash and turnip to a large pot, cover with water and bring to a gentle boil.

3. Simmer for few minutes (or 10 if you didn't roast them i the oven) so the stock gets flavored. Remove from the heat and let cool just slightly.

4. Pour a few tablespoons of the hot stock into a small bowl and whisk in the miso and tahini. This step is to avoid clumping. Stir the thinned miso back into the pot along with lemon zest and juice. Taste, adjust the broth to your liking by adding more miso (for saltiness) or tahini, or something else. I added some celtic sea salt for saltiness and cayenne for a little kick, because I like spicy foods.

If you have leftovers and need to reheat the soup, you'll want to do so gently, over low heat, to preserve the qualities of the miso.

About Kat Saxton:

Kat Saxton is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and owner of KS Wellness, holistic health coaching company. She was born and raised in Finland and now live in the beautiful San Francisco Bay area. She is an advocate of whole food plant-based lifestyle focusing on digestion and detoxification. She loves yoga, Body Pump, long walks in the nature, pretty journals, farmers markets and cats. Check out her blog for recipe inspiration and wellness tips at

www.lifeissweetinnyc.com