Thursday, March 10, 2011

Everyday Meals... a Ramen and a Salad

Mushroom Ramen


So many times in our blogs, we try to reach for the stars in flavors, in creativity .. showcase our talent by doing something different from the many, many blogs out there... that it really does feel like a competition sometimes. One that can consume your time without remorse and turn into an obsession bordering on addiction.

This happens to me, I confess. But then, fortunately, I have a Mr.FSK who shows no hesitancy in yanking me back into reality and well, putting my priorities back into perspective. After patiently waiting for me to turn away from my compulsive fiddling on my laptop, for more than a few weekend hours, he finally gave up, yanked my power cord out and effectively got my attention.


Salad Ingredients


For the rest of the weekend, I promised not to spend more than an hour each day "catching up", not obsess over my blog and just focus on the every day and simple meals. I did, however, not promise to not take photos of the meals and knowing me as he does, he knew to choose battles. LOL.

Anyway, one of the days I was craving something warm and soothing and just wanted Ramen. But, I also wanted something vegetarian and I had picked up some great looking Shitake and Bunashimeji mushrooms and went with that.


Salad - Arugula, serrano ham, quail eggs and mayan prawns


For another meal, I decided on the opposite end, a lovely light salad of arugula, HUGE Mayan shrimps, quail eggs, pear and Serrano ham.. simple ingredients that each bring a layer of flavor that work beautifully drawn together with a light drizzle of good olive oil and shaved Parmesan.



Mushroom Ramen

(I used peanut oil to cook this ramen because it really adds a lovely earthy flavor to the dish.)

1 small basket Shitake mushrooms
1 small basket Bunashimeji mushrooms
1 square of egg noodles
1 bunch of bokchoy
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 inch garlic, minced
4 cups chicken/vegetable broth
2 tsp chilli powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 chicken bouillon for the noodles
siracha sauce, plum sauce and toasted sesame seed and oil for garnish


Mushroom Ramen 1


Saute the onions, garlic and ginger until soft in peanut oil. Add salt, chilli and cumin and saute for a few minutes. Add the mushrooms and saute until the browned. Remove and reserve some of the mushrooms. Add the bokchoy and the stock and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to boil. Add the bouillon and the egg noodles and cook until al dente. Drain and reserve the noodles.

To serve, divide the noodles into large bowl. Add the broth, top with the reserved mushrooms. Sprinkle the sesame seeds and drizzle sesame oil. Serve the sauces on the side to add per diner's choice.

18 comments:

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Two beautiful dishes! I particularly like that gorgeous salad.

Cheers,

Rosa

notyet100 said...

salad looks too good,.

simply.food said...

Delicious and hearty looking dish.

arundati said...

What gorgeousness on a plate asha.... Beautiful

Barbara Bakes said...

I can so relate to how time consuming blogging can be. The food may be simple, but you make it look so elegant! Keep taking those photos.

What's Cookin Stacey?? said...

So pretty and tasty looking!

Lindsay @Eat, Knit, Grow said...

Yum! Those both look so delicious and wonderful. I have to try the ramen!

Lick My Spoon said...

Asha, you post really struck a chord with me. I find it so hard to manage my time effectively and constantly find myself 'obsessing' about the blog. Glad to know I'm not the only one! My other half is just the same....but hasn't pulled the cord yet!

Magic of Spice said...

I love that ramen...simple and warm flavors can be an amazing thing sometimes :)

Junglefrog said...

Ah yes... The eternal struggle for time and how to manage it all. I think I should possible do a course in timemanagement. Maybe that will help (me post more blogs..lol)
Your every day dishes look like dishes I would definitely love to have everyday!

ABowlOfMush said...

Looks lovely and warming! Yum :)

Rochelle said...

As usual visually stunning photos of some exceptionally delicious looking food. The mushroom soup, I can almost taste as I made something similar for dinner last night and now my mouth is watering in anticipation of lunch :D

Tiffany said...

This looks great! A veggie ramen sounds so awesome!

Tiffany said...

My husband gets a little jealous of the time I spend on my blog too, but without his support it wouldn't be any fun at all, so it's a balancing act. LOVE your blog and your photos!

Eizel said...

Great use of these fab ingredients!

FamilySpice said...

Beautiful pictures! My kids love ramen noodles, too, but even with all the vegetables I add, it doesn't look as lovely as yours! I think I need to dress ours up more!

Taras said...

Hi, I was looking for more ramen recipes and found your site today. I love your recipe but have one small question. You say to serve, "divide noodles into large bowl". Should this serve more than one very hungry person? Taras

cusinera said...

If I could only taste that mushroom broth...yum! Fantastic pics as always=)

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