Butternut Squash Ramen Bowl with Rice Noodles, Tofu & Fresh Pea Shoots

As you can see I kept it pretty simple. So simple in fact, that by using pre-made broth & soup, this meal will take you literally less than 10 minutes from start to the finished product. Of course, if you’ve got the time, the patience, and the produce, I’d suggest starting from scratch with this simple-as-can-be-squash soup and this homemade broth.

Either way, I hope you enjoy this as much as I have been. In just as much time as it takes to boil that water for the instant stuff, you can have a fully nutritious meal that’ll hit the spot and keep you healthy, without sending your food budget sky-high either. No noodling around: this bowl is the real deal.

Butternut Squash Ramen Bowl with Rice Noodles, Tofu & Fresh Pea Shoots Recipe
This recipe makes one delicious, super hearty serving for one, and of course is easily multiplied with the right math skills and an extra bowl or two!



Ingredients : 

• (1) cup veggie stock (pre-made or store-bought is fine)
• (1.5) cups butternut squash soup, without a nut or dairy base (I used Pacific Brand)
• (1/4) tsp salt
• (1/4) tsp soy sauce
• (1) strand of thick rice noodles (about the size of the circle between your index finger & thumb)
• (1/4) cup medium soft tofu, rinsed and cubed
• (1) scallion, sliced diagonally, greens only
• (1/4) tsp Sambal Oelek
• (1/2) tsp toasted sesame oil
• (1) handful fresh pea shoots (or sliced fresh spinach in a pinch)
• Black sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions : 

1. Start by combining the soup and the broth in a medium pot, and stir to mix well. Add the salt & soy sauce and heat gently until bubbling and hot (basically to a light boil), about 3-4 minutes.
2. While the broth is heating up, cube the fresh tofu into one-inch pieces or a little smaller, as per your preference. Slice the green onion, and wash and trim the pea shoots, removing the tough stems as they can be tough to digest and chew. Take the strand of dry rice noodles (about a finger round or golf ball diameter), and with your hands, snap them in half to shorten to noodle strands, and place them in a generously sized serving bowl of your choice.
3. When the broth has reached a bubbling boil, remove it from the heat and pour all of it over the rice noodles directly into the serving bowl. Using a fork and a quick, firm hand, push any errant noodle strands under the broth to submerge any loose pieces. Cover the bowl immediately with a small plate, and set your timer for 6 minutes.
4. When the 6 minutes is up, remove the plate from the bowl and stir the noodles to break them up a little. To serve, push the noodles over to the side a little, making room for the tofu, scallions & pea shoots which can be arranged directly into the broth as you like. Place a little Sambal Oelek in the centre of the bowl, and finish by pouring the toasted sesame oil into the bowl along with the black sesame seeds to garnish.
5. Serve right away  (though the best part may be waiting for the bowl to cool a little before eating) with chopsticks or a fork, if you are a little spastic with chopsticks like I am. I always try earnestly with the sticks for a few rounds before hitting the ease and comfort of a spoon and a fork. Whatever works, so long as you never need to reach for those cheap yellow packages again ;). Enjoy!

Recipe Adapted : Butternut Squash Ramen Bowl with Rice Noodles, Tofu & Fresh Pea Shoots @ inpursuitofmore