Okay, okay... I know most of you are thinking... Mr Noodles? Really??... Cup O' Soup?.. And while I can't say I did not enjoy those (dry, and shaken with the powder!) in grade school, this is not what I'm talking about here. I'm thinking, good, if not home-made, definitely home-pimped Ramen. Yes, caps. Because...
Since we came back from Virginia, the temps here in Montreal have been... perfect! Still summer, but much fresher at night, and sometimes almost chilly! It just feels so *right* to bring a little sweater or jacket along for the night.. Or just using blankets again! So, last week I was craving Ramen. And this is a week night standard for me. A go-to, almost ALWAYS delicious meal. Super simple, extra cheap and comforting.
Here it goes!
I'm usually throwing whatever I have left in the fridge in. But some personal favorites are cabbages of all sorts (baby bok choy!), shrimps, fish cakes, rice cakes... Just use what you have, and add to the boiling broth according to the time of cooking it will need. (ex: chicken goes first because I want to be sure it's cooked through before the other ingredients go in.) Cook your noodles last and for a while, this is no time for al dente. These are good super soft.
I fried my fresh beans in sesame oil, with coarse salt and fresh pepper. I use those as toppings, so they stay crunchy. Get out any kind of toppings you like.. anything spicy, pickled, tart or sweet and sour will do. It's all good! I love chinese radish preserves, their flavor is intense, but it mixes super well with the broth.
