Recipe: Chicken and Veggie Udon

Chicken and vegetable udon is one of my favorite winter lunchtime treats, but despite being easier to make than PlayDough spaghetti, I'd never thought to make it until last night. A big, soulful bowl of warm broth, slippery noodles and soothing chicken and veg? Bring on the winter.

This is a Cookiecrumb-style recipe, meaning all measurements are both approximate and open to interpretation.

1/2 package udon noodles (about 4 oz.)
1 tablespoon oil
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 onion, sliced into half-moons
1 teaspoon chili sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
4 cups broth or stock, any variety (I used veggie)
3-4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup brown mushrooms, sliced
1 cup chopped cooked chicken breast (if you're lazy like me, from a roasted bird you bought at the market)
2 scallions, sliced
cilantro for garnish

Prepare the udon noodles according to package directions, minus 2 minutes of cooking time. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and let it sizzle till you can smell it, about 1 minute. Add the onion and the chili sauce and stir to combine. Saute until the onions are on their way to translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the soy sauce, stir, then add the broth, spinach and the mushrooms. Turn down to a light simmer and let it go until the spinach wilts and the mushrooms are heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Add the chicken, scallions and udon noodles and heat through, another 2-3 minutes. Serve with fresh cilantro leaves on top.

Comments

[sam]

aha - that's the way to describe my casual recipes that I dont really want to commit to:"Cookiecrumb style"
Like it. I had udon with lobster last night at our neighbourhood sushi place where it was on the specials list.
It was ok. I really just wanted the lobster bits to be honest.
Is this serves 1 or 2?

[cookiecrumb]

{{desire}}
You had me at "slippery."

[catherine]

Sam -- great, we've created a new lexicon! Or perhaps I should say she and give all the credit where it is due, to CC. This makes 3 servings if you're not feeling terribly hungry, or 2 if you are.

Cookiecrumb -- I really needed a laugh at this exact moment, and you gave it to me. THANK YOU!!! Now I can go back to work.

[Mom]

This sounds absolutely wonderful! I will be trying it very soon!

[Mom]

Wow! I just made this at the end of a cold & rainy day---yummo! It's great comfort food (Asian style), easy to make, & delicious!