Rice Noodle Ramen

ok, so necessity being the mother of invention, I was hankering a nice hot bowl of ramen.

Problem is, ramen itself isn't all that healthy.  It's wheat based, loaded with MSG/salt, and pretty fattening.  And let's not forget that if it has more than five ingredients, don't consume it - this according to Michael Pollan.


So I set out to create a base ramen recipe that was:

• Gluten free
• delicious and satisfying
• lower in calories than pre-packaged ramen

By having a base recipe, you can then add what ever ingredients you want - whether it be scrambled eggs, shrimp, tofu, assorted vegetables - whatever.

So after some experimentation, here's my version that is totally satisfied in my craving for ramen with none of the negatives - and is awesome for those friends of mine who are gluten intolerant.  

This recipe is for one hearty serving - adjust portions accordingly for more than one person

Rice Noodle Ramen

Ingredients:

• 2 oz - Dry Thai Rice Noodle Sticks (I use the Trader Joe's brand - inexpensive and simple ingredients: rice & water)
• 12 oz water (I prefer to use filtered water)
• 2 tblsp Braggs Liquid Amino (the flavor of Soy sauce without being fermented, is gluten free and adds essential amino acids and a small amount of vegetable based protein)
• dash of Sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 1/4 tsp Sriracha sauce
• 1 crushed garlic clove 

Preparation:

Add all ingredients except rice sticks to a pan and bring to a boil - add rice sticks and cook for 7 minutes until tender.  Transfer to a bowl and serve. 

Pretty simple and, in my opinion, tastes much better than traditional ramen.  To add more substance to the dish, I usually add either cubed tofu, or a couple of scrambled eggs (I've been craving protein lately). You can also add a 1/3 cup of organic frozen mixed vegetables to the noodles while they're cooking and I usually add one finely sliced scallion.

This is a great way to warm up on a cold winter day and it also is the perfect remedy for that craving for soup when you're sick with a cold or the flu.

Buon Appetito!