Miso soup is a traditional Japanese soup that is prepared from Miso paste and a seafood-based stock, called 'dashi'. A staple in Japanese cuisine, this soup comforts both the body and soul. Since Miso paste is prepared from fermented soybeans, it's full of nutrients, and the seafood stock simply increases the nutritional quotient. Making this soup from scratch is very easy, as it requires just a handful of ingredients. Let's take a look at how to prepare this healthy soup. Miso Soup with Tofu There are many variations to the same soup. We shall begin by adding tofu to it. This is a very easy-to-make recipe that you can try at home. Ingredients

• 3 cups dashi soup stock
• 3-4 tablespoons Miso paste
• 1 block tofu
• ¼ cup chopped green onion

Method of Preparation In a non-stick pan, add the dashi soup stock and bring it to a boil, on a medium flame. Then, cut the tofu into small cubes. Add these small cubes to the boiling soup stock. Allow tofu to simmer for a few minutes on low heat. Take about 1 cup of soup stock from the pan and dissolve the Miso paste in it. Once mixed, you need to add this mixture to the boiling soup. Continue stirring the soup and remove from heat. Now add the chopped green onions to the soup, and your soup is ready to be served. Tip: Never boil the soup after you've added the Miso paste to it. Miso Soup with Noodles This soup is perfect for a cold winter night. By adding noodles to the soup, it becomes a meal in itself. Ingredients

• 3 ounces dried soba noodles
• 2-4 tablespoons Miso paste
• 2-3 ounces firm tofu chopped into ⅓ inch cubes
• Handful of watercress or spinach, washed and stems trimmed
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Handful of cilantro
• A pinch of red pepper flakes

Method of Preparation Before we begin preparing our soup, we need to cook the soba noodles in salted water. Once cooked, drain out the water and place the noodles under running cold water. Now, add 4 cups of water to a medium sauce pan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the flame and allow the water to simmer. Then remove from heat. In a small bowl add a little bit of hot water and add the Miso paste. Mix it well and pour this water back into the pot. Taste and see if you want more of the Miso paste. You can now add the tofu cubes and turn off the heat. Allow it to stand for a few minutes. Meanwhile, put the noodles into two bowls. Pour the Miso soup and tofu over the noodles. Add the watercress, green onions, cilantro, and red pepper flakes to each bowl. Serve hot and enjoy your soup. Miso soup has been linked to a plethora of health benefits. It is said that 3 to 4 servings of Miso soup contains antioxidants, vitamin E, fatty acids, etc. It is known to help strengthen the immune system and also protect one from infections. The seaweed added to the soup helps in lowering blood pressure, as well as cholesterol. It is also believed to contain isoflavones that help in preventing breast cancer. You too can try making this soup from scratch. It is very difficult to find Miso paste, until and unless you find it in an Asian market or organic food store. Wakame seaweed is also available in Asian grocery stores, and all you need is about 3 to 4 seaweeds per serving. If you are fortunate enough to find these ingredients in your vicinity, you should definitely try making Miso soup at home.