Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Spicy Soba Soup

My Mom loves to cook, probably more than I do.  She always prepared healthy meals for me and my sisters when we were younger.  When she retired from teaching 3rd graders, she attended The French Pastry School in Chicago, IL.  I am very proud of her, and she even makes delicious vegan treats when I visit.  Thanks, Mom!  

When I was in elementary school, she went back to school to get her masters.  Have I mentioned how proud of her I am?  Anyway, I loved it, when I got home from school she was there and usually had some tasty snack for me.  In the evenings, she went to class and my sisters and I were left to cook for each other, or eat leftovers.  Being young and not yet skilled in the kitchen we often resorted to Ramen!  Yes, Ramen!  It was a childhood favorite, and a staple when no one would cook for us.  At a young age, boiling a pot of water, adding noodles and a flavor packet made me feel like I actually could cook!  

There have been days since then when all I want is a comforting bowl of Ramen... It sounds disgusting, I know... Remembering how unhealthy it is usually sends me to the kitchen inspired to recreate a tasty childhood favorite.  

Last week, scrambling to toss dinner together I came up with my healthy replacement.  This super easy and fast soup made me feel good about what I was eating and brought me back to a day when I'd let noodles hang out of my mouth on to my plate.  

Spicy Soba Soup

1 bunch of soba noodles

2 tbs oil- which ever you prefer
2 cloves garlic
1 chunk fresh ginger- peeled and chopped

1 cup carrots- sliced or grated
1/2 cup peas
1 cup garbanzo beans
1 cup  mushrooms
1 pepper - chopped

1 tbs chili garlic sauce

Directions
Bring pot of water to boil, add soba noodles.
Add oil to pan and toss in garlic and ginger, saute for a couple minutes and add in the vegetables.  
When the noodles are done, turn off the stove top and pour the noodles and water into the saute pan with the vegetables.  Add the tablespoon of chili garlic sauce and simmer.  
Garnish with cilantro, salt n' pep, whatever-- enjoy! 

I approximate everything in the kitchen when I'm experimenting, this made about 3-4 bowls of soup.  It's wonderful the next day for lunch.  


1 comment:

  1. I really like the bowl that you photographed the soup in. You have good taste!!!

    ReplyDelete