When you’re craving something wholesome that also feels like a warm hug in a bowl, garlic miso soup is exactly what you need. This light yet flavorful soup combines slow-roasted garlic, mild white miso paste, and nutrient-packed greens to deliver a comforting, healing meal. Whether you’re feeling a little under the weather or simply in need of a nourishing, plant-based dish, this recipe brings together simplicity and wellness in every spoonful. It’s an easy way to feed both your body and your soul.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup isn’t just easy to make—it’s a feel-good powerhouse. The roasted garlic adds depth without being overpowering, miso delivers gentle umami and gut-friendly benefits, and dark leafy greens like kale lend texture and nutrients. It’s a one-pot meal that’s soothing, clean, and customizable. You’ll enjoy it because it:
- Supports the immune system naturally
- Requires just a few wholesome ingredients
- Offers satisfying flavor without heaviness
- Can be easily modified to suit different dietary needs
No matter the season, this garlic miso soup fits right into your wellness routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each component in this soup plays a functional and flavorful role. Here’s what you’ll need:
Garlic (2 whole bulbs): Once roasted, garlic becomes buttery and sweet, lending richness to the broth and delivering anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps roast the garlic and enhances the silkiness of the final soup.
Water or vegetable broth (6 cups): The base of your soup. Use broth for a heartier flavor or water if you prefer a more delicate taste.
White miso paste (3–4 tablespoons): Milder than darker varieties, white miso brings gentle saltiness and beneficial probiotics.
Kale (4 cups, chopped): A hearty green that softens beautifully in soup. It’s rich in antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a subtle kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Lemon juice (optional): A fresh squeeze before serving brightens the entire bowl.
Green onions (optional): A crunchy, aromatic garnish that adds a clean finish.
Himalayan salt (to taste): Use sparingly, since miso is naturally salty.
How to Make Garlic Miso Soup
The secret to the deep, mellow flavor in this soup lies in roasting the garlic until it’s golden and soft. From there, the soup comes together with minimal effort. The miso is added last to preserve its nutritional value, and the greens wilt just enough to become tender without losing their color or texture.
You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated steps—just simple techniques that bring out the best in each ingredient.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Remove excess papery skin from the garlic bulbs, leaving the heads intact. Slice the tops off to expose the cloves slightly. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 45 to 50 minutes. Allow the garlic to cool before handling.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Once the garlic is cool enough, squeeze the soft cloves into a large soup pot. Use a wooden spoon to mash the garlic into a paste.
Step 3: Add the Liquid
Pour in the broth or water. Stir and warm the pot over medium-low heat to allow the garlic to gently infuse the liquid.
Step 4: Mix in the Miso
Scoop out a small portion of the warm broth and stir it with the miso paste in a separate bowl until fully dissolved. Then return it to the pot, stirring gently to combine.
Step 5: Stir in the Greens
Add the chopped kale to the broth. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender but still vibrant.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste your soup. Adjust with salt as needed, keeping in mind that miso is naturally salty. Finish with a splash of lemon juice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or chopped green onions if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Avoid high heat after adding miso to maintain its probiotic content. Stir it in once the soup is warm, not boiling.
- Roasting the garlic enhances its flavor and sweetness—don’t skip this step.
- For protein, consider adding cubed tofu after the miso. Soft, medium, or firm tofu all work well.
- Want to switch it up? Use spinach or seaweed like wakame instead of kale for a twist.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on low heat to preserve flavor and nutrients.
Details
Flavor: Earthy, savory, and mellow with subtle sweetness
Texture: Light and brothy with tender greens and creamy garlic
Occasion: Ideal for lunch, recovery meals, or immune support
Prep/Cook Time: 10 minutes prep, 1 hour 10 minutes cook time
Notes (Optional Variations or Substitutions)
If you’re avoiding soy, swap white miso with chickpea or rice-based miso. Both offer similar depth of flavor and fermentation benefits. Want to add more minerals? Stir in some dried wakame seaweed in the final minutes of cooking. For heat, a dash of chili oil or freshly grated ginger adds another layer of warmth and flavor. If you include tofu, press it first to remove moisture and cube it before adding it at the end.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
These values are estimates based on standard ingredients. Customizations may change the nutrition slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can garlic be added to miso soup?
Yes, garlic blends beautifully with miso. Roasting it first mellows its sharpness and adds rich, savory depth.
Which miso pairs best with garlic?
White miso is your best option here. It’s smooth and mild, making it a great complement to the sweetness of roasted garlic.
Will boiling miso reduce its benefits?
Yes, high heat can destroy the probiotics in miso. Always stir it into warm—not boiling—liquid to preserve its health properties.
Is this soup helpful for digestion and immunity?
Definitely. Garlic supports immune health, while miso aids gut balance with its natural probiotics. Kale contributes additional fiber and vitamins.
Storage Instructions
Store any remaining soup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it slowly on the stove, avoiding high heat to keep the miso’s benefits intact. Freezing is not recommended, as it may alter the texture of the greens and miso.
Print
Garlic Miso Soup | Immune-Boosting Comfort in Every Bowl
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A warm and soothing soup made with roasted garlic, white miso, and fresh kale. This plant-based recipe supports digestion and immunity while offering deep flavor and easy preparation.
Ingredients
2 whole garlic bulbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 cups water or vegetable broth
3 to 4 tablespoons white miso paste
4 cups kale, chopped
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh lemon juice (optional)
Sliced green onions (optional)
Himalayan salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Trim garlic heads, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 45–50 minutes.
2. Let garlic cool, then squeeze cloves into a soup pot and mash.
3. Pour in water or broth and heat on medium-low.
4. In a bowl, dissolve miso paste with some warm broth. Stir back into the soup.
5. Add chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 5–10 minutes.
6. Season with salt if needed. Serve with lemon juice, red pepper flakes, or green onions.
Notes
Use chickpea or rice miso for a soy-free version.
Tofu or seaweed can be added for extra protein or minerals.
Avoid boiling after adding miso to maintain its health benefits.
Store leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roast, Simmer
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Conclusion
This garlic miso soup is more than just a meal—it’s a simple act of self-care. With nourishing ingredients and layers of natural flavor, it offers a way to feel better, eat better, and warm up from the inside out. Whether you’re enjoying it during cold season or just want a light yet satisfying dish, this recipe brings comfort and balance to your table. Make it your own with easy variations and enjoy the goodness in every bowl.