Noodle soup for needy people

Okay folks, this soup is fabulous. It takes a bit more effort than dumping a can of broth into a sauce pan, but not a whole lot more. And it's soooo savory. The ginger, brown sugar and cilantro complement each other to a tee.

This recipe came from Nigella Lawson's Express cookbook. And it's brilliant. Should we stop raving now?

Here's what you need and how you do it

4-6 ounces Udon noodles (spaghetti would also work fine)

3 cups chicken or veggie broth

2 Tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 star anise (and if you're like me, you're all star a-what? You can get it bulk in many grocery store spice sections. You can also skip it.)

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

3/4 cup bean sprouts

3/4 cup sugar snap peas

3/4 cup shiitake (or crimini) mushrooms. Buy pre-sliced if you can.

1/2 cup bok choy whites (thinly sliced)

2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro

1 chicken breast, thinly sliced (can also use pork, beef or tofu), cooked

Cook noodles. When done, drain and split between two bowls.

Fill a saucepan with stock, soy sauce, sugar, star anise and ginger. Bring to a boil. Add the veggies and chicken. Remove star anise. Pour stock/veggie/chicken mixture over noodles. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Comments

[Melanie @ MelADramatic Mommy]

Looks very good. I like Asian food, hubby and son not so much but I might be able to pull this off with minor tweakage. Thanks!

[Culinarywannabe]

This is right up my alley since it's freazin outside. And I'll eat anything with Udon in it! Thanks!!

[kcinnova]

I know what I'm making next time I need a special soup for my dh! He's not big on cilantro, but I think the whole recipe looks incredible!
I just made Smashing Pumpkin Soup tonight (from Saving Dinner cookbook) and I am so happy there are leftovers for my lunch tomorrow! YUM.

[janet]

I wanna make this - i wanna eat this! What are bok choy whites???

[bethany]

now I have a use for that star anise ... tho by now it's probably lost most of it's savor. looks lovely and will be trying is stat, thanks!

[MommyTime]

This sounds amazing, and I can't wait to make it for dinner tomorrow. Thank you so much!