A light and nourishing fish soup that supports your body’s natural detox systems.
At Functional Medicine Los Angeles, we emphasize meals that not only taste great but also support your overall wellness. This fish soup is packed with nutrients that aid detoxification and promote energy, making it a perfect addition to a functional medicine lifestyle.
Why this works
- Vitamin D: Cod fillet or Salmon
- Glutathione:Moringa (malunggay leaves) and squash
- Magnesium: Moringa, squash, and ginger
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb fresh cod fillet (or salmon, halibut, or snapper — cut into 3–4 oz pieces)
- 1 cup fresh moringa leaves (or substitute baby spinach if moringa isn’t available)
- 2 cups squash, peeled and cubed (butternut squash or kabocha work well)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, sliced into strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups water or low-sodium fish/vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce/tamari for a milder option)
- Sea salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms (extra vitamin D)
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics
○ In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive or avocado oil.
○ Sauté garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Simmer the fish
○ Pour in water or broth and bring to a gentle boil.
○ Add fish sauce and stir.
○ Carefully place the salmon pieces into the broth and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through.
- Add the vegetables
○ Add squash and cook until tender, about 5–7 minutes.
○ Add mushrooms if using.
- Finish with moringa
○ Stir in the moringa leaves (or spinach) right before turning off the heat to keep nutrients intact.
○ Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve
○ Enjoy hot, ideally with a side of brown rice or quinoa for added magnesium and fiber.
For residents seeking a functional medicine Burbank approach, this recipe aligns with nutritional strategies designed to optimize detox pathways and support overall wellness.
This nutrient-rich soup also supports gut health, making it ideal for functional medicine digestion in Los Angeles programs that focus on improving digestive function naturally.
If you can’t find fresh moringa leaves in your local store, many Asian or African grocery markets in the US sell them fresh or frozen — and they’re worth it for their nutrient punch. For extra vitamin D, choose wild-caught salmon and pair the meal with a leafy greens salad topped with citrus for better nutrient absorption.