Thing-a-day.com

I don’t know how this happened but we suddenly got busy a couple of days ago so I had to skip the 14th and 15th things-a-day.  I was planning on making one more Valentine’s dessert.  I can still do it in the next few days.  Today I have a very fast recipe to share with you.  When you get busy and don’t feel like making something complicated or time-consuming, this is the one for you.  It took me only 15 minutes to make altogether including waiting for a pot of water to boil.  And it was such a delicious and healthy meal on a cold wintry morning.

Udon Noodles with Brussels Sprouts, Bean Sprouts and Edamame

(serves 1, but you can easily double it)

This noodle bowl has a very toothsome texture because of the edamame (fresh soy beans) which I love.  You can use fresh or frozen edamame.  Feel free to alter any ingredient or the amount to suit your taste.

1 package “instant” udon noodles (enough for 1 person)

8-9 shiitake mushrooms, wiped clean* (see notes below)

5 oz. Brussels sprouts

4 oz. soybean sprouts

1 package of fresh spinach

2 tsp. olive oil

2 tsp. toasted sesame oil

1.5 Tbsp. mushroom dark soy sauce

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. coriander

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1. In a pot, boil 8 cups of water together with shiitake mushrooms, Brussels sprouts and soybean sprouts.  (You can adjust the amount of water according to the vegetables you choose.)

2. When the water boils, add udon noodles.  Mine takes only 3 minutes to cook.  Towards the end throw in spinach.  Drain when the noodles are cooked.

3. Mix in olive oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, coriander and black pepper.  Stir well and serve immediately.  Enjoy!

* Generally you shouldn’t wash mushrooms as they soak too much water and become mushy very quickly.  Use a paper towel to wipe them clean.