I have to say, to be prescriptive about a noodle soup seems to be against the ethos of what you're actually cooking. When I need a noodle soup, believe me I am in no mood to start weighing and measuring. I heat some broth, of some description or other, and throw in a variety of vegetables that are skulking about in the fridge and the most soothing noodles I can find. You can add other things, some chicken strips or, at the end, some fine rags of raw tuna or salmon, but I generally want the vegetably broth and noodles by themselves. The protein element, while so desirable in so many ways I'm sure, is not what I'm after here. But anyway, I throw down a blueprint here. Don't get caught up in it, but follow it if it feels helpful.
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.
Photo: Noodle Soup for Needy People Recipe
















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By mintstars811
on July 10, 2011
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delisous and calming, really helped me relax, I loved it and found star anise at an asian market, i added a bit of mint and thyme, so great!
By lisa_ann_oakes_...
Tallahassee, 48
on March 05, 2011
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I had no star anise, so I omitted it and used angel hair. This was quick and delicious! I made it again and "cleared out" my veggie drawer! The fresh cilantro adds so much to the dish!
By l.mcgeorge_1408384
Ontario, CA
on February 13, 2011
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Can't find star anise at my local grocery bu modified with 5 spice powder and come up witn an acceptable broth and have made it several times using various leftover and fresh veggies from the frig...very decent late night light dinner without the meat....and comforting!
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