Noodle Soup for Needy People

Recipe courtesy Nigella Lawson, 2007

Show: Nigella ExpressEpisode: Instant Calmer

Rated: 4 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (7)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(7)

Cook Time:
2 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
2 for supper

Times:

Prep: 10 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 2 min
Total:: 12 min

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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.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Noodle Soup for Needy People
Kellie Anytown, AL 08-05-2009
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Yummy!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I think this is a great soup! I did add more broth than listed which suited me perfect...thank you!
recipe Noodle Soup for Needy People
Denver Arlington, VA 04-21-2009
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DELICIOUS, COMFORTING SOUP
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Similar to Pho in many ways. I've made Nigella's "needy soup" several times, usually using chicken broth. Last night I used... a 28-oz can of Pho beef broth, along with veggies and noodles. I used 4 star anise and let them steep in the cold broth for about an hour before I started cooking it, because I love the flavor and find 1 or 2 not sufficient. Nigella's soup is excellent, easy and allows you to experiment and customize to your own taste. Thanks, Nigella!Read more
recipe Noodle Soup for Needy People
Phyto Manassas, VA 07-26-2008
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What?? Emulate Dashi with chicken stock and star anise??!!
Rated: 1 stars out of 5

One wonders if Nigella has ever had real Dashi! She says with this soup that she tries to emulate Japanese Dashi by adding... brown sugar and star anise to chicken stock! What, is she crazy? Star anise?? Sugar?? Chicken?? These are supposed to be quick and easy recipes. Nothing is as easy and convenient as making a simple Dashi. Why doesn't she just make Dashi the way most Japanese do -- either instant Dashi powder (dashi no moto), or a simple steeping of katsuo-bushi (Dried bonito flakes) and konbu (dried kelp). All ingredients are readily available (even in England) and can sit in your cupboard without refrigeration ready for you to use whenever you need it. Nigella, make real Dashi. Don't try to fake it. It is easy as anything else to make and nothing else tastes like it (especially star anise!).Read more
recipe Noodle Soup for Needy People
David New York, NY 03-18-2008
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So simple and light
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This makes the perfect lunch dish or dinner with a slice of crusty French bread and a side salad.
recipe Noodle Soup for Needy People
Anonymous 02-10-2008
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TOO MUCH STAR ANISE (by a lot)
Rated: 2 stars out of 5

I was attracted to this recipe because it was simple and because we all like Asian flavors, but once I prepared it, I... realized it was simply disastrous. The star anise tasted absolutely horrific. Next time when I need a quicky-licky meal, I will most definitely take out the star anise, and add some soy sauce.Read more
recipe Noodle Soup for Needy People
Anonymous 11-25-2007
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so easy and comforting
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

this has all the elements of comfort and relaxing food. that is soooo easy to make without any stress:)