It's damp and cold here, with a steady drone of rain day after day. The supersaturated ground feels like pudding, sucking at my shoes when I go outside. And my sinuses decided to join in the fun, mimicking the rain outside. Thank God for jiffy udon soup. It cooks in two minutes, and easily accommodates leftover odds and
ends of food. Here's a great place to use up the lonely veggies, scraps of meat, tofu, or seafood languishing in the fridge. In this case, I garnished it with shrimp, snow peas, shredded spinach, and scallions.
This is my submission to Presto Pasta Night, which was started by the wonderful Ruth at Once Upon A Feast. Each Friday Ruth has a recap of wonderful pasta recipes from bloggers from all over the world. So, do stop by and check it out.
I used a pre-cooked package of udon from my grocery store. There are always lots of different brands, and I enjoy trying them. Although the broth could be better, the noodles are thick and comforting. And the bowl of soup, coming in under 200 calories, filled me up nicely.
What will you use to top your udon soup?
Sher, I love bowls of Udon. I'm a fan of a broth of stock, star anise, lemongrass, fish sauce, garlic and onions.
Top it off with fresh coriander!
Posted by: Peter | January 24, 2008 at 01:49 AM
I've never seen packages like this in my market -- will definitely have to look for them. Store-bought soups can always be bumped up with some fresh ginger or scallions. There is nothing better than a big bowl of noodle soup!
Posted by: Lydia | January 24, 2008 at 04:02 AM
What a perfect meal for a dreary day!
Posted by: Deborah | January 24, 2008 at 07:25 AM
That photo makes me feel warm and hungry at the same time. I love udon noodles. I like tofu, sliced scallions, and snow peas with mine. If I ate meat, I would most definitely go for the shrimp!
Posted by: anne | January 24, 2008 at 07:51 AM
I had one of those packets of Udon soup just the other day ... they are wonderful, aren't they? I had nothing else in the house so I had to have it plain. Next time I'm going to plan better and have lots of yummy add-ins like yours.
Posted by: Alisha | January 24, 2008 at 08:05 AM
I haven't seen those packages of udon but haven't really looked. Plus I work a block from Japantown and maybe they have them in the grocery store there? This would be so easy and comforting.
Posted by: Mrs. L | January 24, 2008 at 08:50 AM
lol. That picture you took looks exactly like the asian-type noodle packaging. All perfect and yummy looking, and then you cook it and you're like....where's my toppings?????
anyways, it looks delish. I haven't had Udon noodles in so long. I should think of toppings....
Posted by: RothRandom | January 24, 2008 at 11:22 AM
You are absolutely right! In a pinch, an egg poached in the soup will do. Easy office lunch: Pack a package of noodles,some sliced meat/vegetables. At lunchtime, boil water in the electric kettle, pour over noodles to soften, add meat/veg and cook in the microwave. One bowl cooking!
Re: Blog etiquette. I'm new at blogging and would appreciate getting your advice. Does one need to get permission from bloggers to link their page to Favorite Blogs on own site? Thanks.
Posted by: kitschow | January 24, 2008 at 12:03 PM
I do hope the rain (and your head) clears up. That said, I'm glad it inspired the Udon soup. As for what I'd top it with...I like Peter's. Do you think he'll invite us over?
Thanks for sharing with Presto Pasta Nights.
Posted by: Ruth | January 24, 2008 at 12:18 PM
That udon soup looks both tasty and healthy! My favorite udon soup is not so healthy... I like to add a heaping tablespoon of leftover Japanese style curry. :)
Posted by: Kevin | January 24, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Oh Sher, that looks so good on a cold night like tonight!
Posted by: breadchick | January 24, 2008 at 07:11 PM
I buy the same brand of udon! I'll throw in whatever I have on-hand, green onion, spinach, sprouts, shredded meat. The only constant is the sriracha!
Posted by: Vicki | January 24, 2008 at 07:18 PM
Fun what you can do with a bag of noodles! Love the neat slicing on that spinach.
Posted by: MyKitchenInHalfCups | January 24, 2008 at 07:54 PM
Sher, hope your sinuses getting better soon. My husband likes to top udon with faked crab meat, for me I can go very plain, nothing but just some green-onion and sesames, the soup needs to be super-hot though.
Posted by: gattina | January 24, 2008 at 08:09 PM
What a perfect looking bowl! Those shrimp...ah!
Posted by: Deb | January 25, 2008 at 03:16 PM
I just bought some packed udon soup at the store. It is the Chikara brand. I always add a few things to it to "spice it up"..but it never looks like yours! Yummy.
Posted by: Melly | January 25, 2008 at 06:03 PM
Your toppings are arranges so nicely on your Udon Soup. I love udon... perhaps this is what I will make for lunch on this cold Saturday. Yum! Udon! Thanks for the Udon Post!
Posted by: Lannae | January 26, 2008 at 08:27 AM
I read those first lines and looked over my shoulder...certain that you had moved in with me! You too, eh?
Great looking soup!
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Posted by: Jenn | January 26, 2008 at 06:40 PM
I have been on a major shrimp kick lately. This looks yummy!
Posted by: Kristen | January 27, 2008 at 08:39 PM
This looks gorgeous! I like to add prawns, maybe some squid too. Leftover roasted meats like char siu or roasted duck also go well. I also add bean sprouts and mange tout.
It also works well with a miso broth, or a tom yum broth.
Posted by: Schmoof | January 28, 2008 at 04:04 AM
you are stupid
Posted by: asdad | August 02, 2008 at 07:45 AM