"Noodle Soup For Needy People"

[leatherbear]

Nigella Lawson rocks.The other recipe of Nigella's that has become one of our favorites is a lot more healthy for you: it's "Noodle Soup for Needy People." I LOVE the flavor of the broth, and the crisp vegetables are so good. It doesn't have any meat in it but the noodles (we use fettuccine) and the vegetables are enough to fill you up.

Here's the recipe: 

"Noodle Soup For Needy People"
Ingredients

dark sesame oil [we added this ingredient]
    6 ounces udon noodles (dried, from a packet)[we use
    fettuccine]
    3 cups chicken or vegetable or dashi broth [we use chicken]
    1 teaspoon brown sugar
    1 star anise [we skip this]
    1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
    2 tablespoons soy sauce [we cut this to 1 Tbs or it's too salty]
    3/4 cup bean sprouts
    3/4 cup sugar snap pea pods
    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 saute mushrooms in a bit of dark sesame oil in a saucepan [we added this step: it adds a better flavor to the broth] and then fill the 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

[bradster23]

Hmmm…Why is this called "for Needy people"?  Is it supposed to be economical?

I make a delicious vegetable noodle soup that is very economical and easy.  It basically consists of your choice of noodles, cut potatoes, canned vegetables (corn, green beans, carrots, tomatoes), tomato sauce, and spices (seasoned salt, pepper, garlic, cumin, chili powder, etc.).  If I want I also add ground beef to add meat.  It is great for cold weather, very hearty, and you can pretty much add or subtract what you want to your own preference.