Noodle Soup for Needy People

Ingredients

• 6 ounces udon noodles (dried, from a packet)
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable or dashi broth
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 star anise
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3/4 cup bean sprouts
• 3/4 cup sugar snaps
• 3/4 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 2 heads baby bok choy, finely sliced
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro leaves

Directions

Cook the noodles according to packet instructions and while the water is boiling fill a nearby saucepan with stock, brown sugar, star anise, ginger and soy sauce. (When the noodles are done, just drain them and put half in each bowl.)

When the flavored stock comes to a boil, add the vegetables. They should be cooked before 2 minutes are up.

Pour half into each bowl, over the cooked and drained noodles and sprinkle with cilantro.