Tofu Soup with Pea Shoots and Radish

Do you cleanse? The word has taken a new meaning recently – we hear of detox diets and juice cleanses as part of the public norm. Seems like everyone is doing it. I personally have not tried a juice cleanse (I fear I would be…

Tofu Soup with Pea Shoots and Radish

Do you cleanse? The word has taken a new meaning recently – we hear of detox diets and juice cleanses as part of the public norm. Seems like everyone is doing it. I personally have not tried a juice cleanse (I fear I would be too cranky if I limit myself to a liquid diet) or a detox diet (because diets and I just don’t jive; see first point). But I do follow my body’s cravings, and I have noticed that part of its cycle is one that craves foods that are pure, light, and yes, probably cleansing.

I am a firm believer in listening to your body and the signals it sends. For me, that means understanding that the craving for red meat is the signal that my body needs iron and protein after a strenuous workout. Your body just knows what it needs. After a weekend of a little indulgence (a little too much baking, maybe, or a barbecue with friends), I may find myself craving foods that will restore the balance.

With spring just around the corner, this is the time of year when I want to emerge from my cave and embrace freshness. The weather may still be brisk, so soup is often what I crave, and this Tofu Soup with Pea Shoots and Radish has all the nutrients and lightness my body is yearning. It warms my belly and nourishes without weighing me down.

To cleanse. Whether it is physically or spiritually, it’s nice to take a moment to check in with your body. Listen to its needs. Give it the extra attention. Besides, Easter is around the corner, and the chocolate will be back again soon.

Speaking of spring cleaning – what do you think? My little home on the web just got a major spiffying up, and I am so in love with its new look, I hope you are too. Lindsay from Purr Design did an ah-ma-zing job, don’t you think? Have fun looking around, I hope you find it easy to navigate and find your way around!

Tofu Soup with Pea Shoots and Radish

Serves 4.

Nothing signals the arrival of spring like the appearance of pea shoots in the market. I just love how it is a sign of all the fresh produce to come this growing season. The tendrils are almost like noodles in this light broth.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon canola oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
firm tofu, sliced in cubes
1 cup pea shoots
4 radishes, thinly sliced
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar

Instructions

Heat canola oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger to infuse the oil with flavor, taking care not to brown the garlic. Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper, if necessary. Remove from heat, and strain, if desired.

Divide the tofu, pea shoots and radish in 4 bowls, and ladle the broth over top. Garnish with scallions. Drizzle lightly with a few drops of sesame oil and rice wine vinegar. Serve immediately.

Adapted from Miso Soup with Vegetables and Tofu, SELF, June 2011, via Epicurious.

Comments

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  1. Eleonora Conver

    A week-long detox diet is the ultimate health and beauty boost, and the perfect way to kick-off a weight-loss programme. For most of us, however, detoxing conjures up visions of living on nothing but water for days – and then scoffing our way though a packet of chocolate digestives to cheer ourselves up.:,,-

    Our blog http://www.caramoan.phdh Eleonora Conver

    Reply
  2. Rikki

    This is so beautiful and colorful! My body does the same thing which is good, I’d be eating too many sweets otherwise! I love your new design too [:

    Reply
    • liren

      Thank you, Bridget! I wish I knew – I need to research the pattern. Thanks for reminding me :)

      Reply
  3. Trish

    Love this healthy recipe. I never think of adding tofu to my soups for some reason. Great idea. And I love how you used radishes and pea shoots…perfect for this time of year.

    Reply
  4. Foodfreak

    Grats on the new site, the design is fab, welll done. And although I don’t care much for tofu (soy protein and me is a story of its own), this looks wonderful! I love the bowl, and your presentation.

    Reply
  5. Jean

    Liren, I think I just may never leave here–it’s so beautiful and clean and inviting! Love you new look and I completely agree that our body knows and tells us what it needs. This soup is just what I need, too. :)

    PS: I love those bowls!

    Reply
  6. Roxana

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new desing. So spring-like.
    Lately I tried different ways of eating tofu, sometimes I feel like I don’t know how to cook it. Some days tastes good, others … well, not that much :)
    The soup sounds refreshing, love the pea shoots :)

    Reply
  7. Nami | Just One Cookbook

    What a beautiful site Liren! I love the new update you did. Very natural and today’s post fits so beautifully! Tofu soup sounds healthy and light. Very beautiful pictures!

    Reply
  8. Patty

    Congratulations on your new site Liren! Always a pleasure to visit here and this new look is just wonderful;-) Your photos are all standouts!

    Reply
  9. Lisa { AuthenticSuburbanGourmet }

    Congrats Liren on the fresh new look – it is amazing!!! Your soup just pops off the page. I bet you are SOOOO happy with a new look and the photos now stand out even more. Hope you have a wonderful rest of the week!!!

    Reply
    • liren

      Thank you, Lisa, I really am happy with the new look. I still have some updating to do here and there, but it’s so worth it :) Enjoy the rest of your week, too!

      Reply
  10. Mary@siftingfocus.com

    Liren, I love the new look! It is light, bright, beautiful and really allows your photos to shine. The photos on today’s post are gorgeous. Congratulations!

    Reply
    • liren

      Thank you Mary! I think I’ll be happy in this design for a very, very long time. By the way, I can’t wait to see yours. Launch already!!! :)

      Reply
  11. Sara

    I’m in awe..what a beautiful new site design and love the pic of the soup…gorgeous!

    Reply
    • liren

      I’m so glad you like it, Sara. The soup was such a joy to photograph – such bright colors make me happy.

      Reply
  12. Maureen

    Everything here is beautiful! The design, this soup and even the pea shoots are all wonderful. :)

    Reply
    • liren

      Thank you, Elizabeth :) My designer hit the nail on the head – she captured everything I was hoping for. I’m so glad you like it too!

      Reply
  13. Brian

    First off, I love, LOVE this new design. This is going to make me very happy every time I stop by. I just love how bright it is. And this recipe! Holy crap! Fabulous!

    Reply
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