Kimchi Noodle Immune Boost Soup

Do you believe in our power to bring about events or states of being with our minds? Specifically, can we will ourselves successful, lucky…and most of all, well? I absolutely, 100% believe in the connectedness of all things. I believe our energies merge and impact the flow of the universe. But when it comes to directing future outcomes—for me, that mostly happens to negative effect.

Not that it’s actually of interest to anyone browsing for immune-boosting soups, but here’s an example of what I mean. Recently, I went for a casual social run with a friend. I’m noting that it was an easy effort only to emphasize that what happened at the end could have been related to psychology as much as any physical factors.

Toward the end of our six miles, it crossed my mind that my friend hadn’t fallen. It was a pointless, random thought, stemming simply from the fact that she had properly face planted on a run or two we’d done before. On those occasions, we’d been on uneven trail in the mountains. This time, we were just on a local, even dirt trail—in fact, by the time the regrettable thought flitted through my head, we were actually on a short stretch of uneven pavement heading toward the parking lot. Would that I had left the idle thought alone as it was…but no, I had to follow up with, “I hope it’s not my turn to fall today”. And, as fate would have it, within minutes I had face planted, HARD. Literally, I ate dirt, and concrete. It was such an unexpected moment of “whoops” and “whoosh”, I didn’t even catch myself with my big padded mitts (it was cold that day). No, I landed on my FACE, particularly on one of my front teeth, the snaggle tooth I already resented.

”I’m bleeding, aren’t I?” I exclaimed to my friend. I was sure my mouth had to be a bloody mess. I searched the pavement for a missing tooth or two. “I don’t even know where to look!” my friend responded. “Where? Forehead? Nose? Chin?” I don’t think either of us had ever seen such a full-on face plant.

I wasn’t really bleeding, though, except for my knees, as I discovered later when my tights were stuck to my scabbing skin. So, I picked myself up and finished the run, chatting at somewhat jittery speed in an attempt to sidestep mortification. Then, I drove home. When I got there, I was greeted by Felix and Dave, who gasped in unison and asked, “Where’s the rest of your tooth?” I realized then that I hadn’t broken that snaggle tooth, but I’d chipped it. When I got in to see my dentist, it turned out I had not just chipped but cracked it, augmenting issues that were already there, previously nuisance but promoted to items needing urgent attention. And now, as a result of all that, I’m looking at custom printed braces (because I am so special), top and bottom, for no less than TWO YEARS.

Did I will the fall and the ensuing snowball effect? Who knows. Probably not. But also, probably a little bit. Coincidences happen, and so do mental mindsets.

All that is to say, today I am determined to tap into every resource, including mental powers, to will positive outcomes. That can be channeling confidence, willing relaxation, and promoting wellness. When it comes to the latter, though, we have too many soul-soothing and invigoating, joyful resources at hand not to make use of them, including exercise, mindfulness, and of course sustenance.

This school year has been the worst for Felix when it comes to battling the bugs. He’s missed so many school days that we’re just one absence away from “the note”—the automated warning schools that is just a formality but feels like a wrist slap. Like being called to the principal’s office as an adult.

Needless to say, we are uber focused on not missing one more day of school if we can help it. We are hyper focused on comforting nighttime routines, regular bedtimes, immune-boost turmeric tonics on the daily, and immune boosting dishes like this soothing soup.

This is one of those one-pot meals you can play with all you like. Throw in what you have, omit the noodes, add in rice, change up veggies…do what you like. Shitake mushrooms would be a superb addend; I only left them out because Felix is anti-mushroom at the moment (so he get his blended into sauce on the sly). It was simply born out of desire to throw as many powerhouse immune boosting foods as possible into one dinner. I recommend letting the broth simmmer on low for a good long time before adding your vegetables. The flavors meld together with belly-warming beauty that way. Also, I don’t recommend going for mild kimchi. You don’t necessarily need spicy, but a good tangy original has a much more pleasant kick balanced out by the coconut milk.

When we had first had this dish, we all had sniffles coming on. I am happy to say they never developed. Was it the soup? The mental fortitude? The sleep? Who knows? No need to know, either. It’s winter, the soup’s delicious and versatile, and we all deserve wholesome, satisfying boosts of goodness where we can find them. Stay warm and well! xo

Cosy winter warmer!

Immune-boosting Kimchi Noodle Soup
4 servings

2 Teaspoons avocado or other mild oil, optional
1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1/2 -inch piece fresh turmeric root, peeled and minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 Cups vegetable stock or broth
2 Cups water
Juice of 1 lime
1 Tablespoon low sodium tamari sauce
1 Teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
1 head broccoli, chopped
1 Cup mushrooms, sliced
14-ounce tofu, pressed and cubed
3/4 Cup coconut milk, full fat or light
2 Cups kimchi (about 12 ounces) 3T chopped Thai basil
8 ounces dry noodles of choice
Optional toppings: sliced green onions, cilantro, basil, black sesame seeds)

Heat the oil in a deep pot over medium heat and saute ginger, turmeric, and garlic, 2-3 minutes.

Add the vegetable stock, water, lime juice, tamari sauce, and sea salt. Adjust seasonings to taste. Leave on low heat for 20 minutes or so to let the flavors meld.

Add the broccoli, mushrooms, tofu, and kimchi.  Bring to a simmer and cook, covered for approximately 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, stir in the coconut milk and keep warm.

While the soup is simmering, cook the noodles according to package directions and set aside.
Divide the cooked noodles between serving bowl and top with the soup. Garnish as desired.