Simple Supper: Fusion Somen Noodles with Prawns

"... but we had plans to watch HBO." I Love You, Man pricelessly captured the 20-something young professional couple's Sunday night. Well, they nailed ours anyway. Every Sunday Ray & I tuck into our premium cable binge & I like to make a meal to match. With fresh somen noodles on hand & an interesting Bittman "fusion" recipe my mom tipped me off to, we slurped up a big bowl of Fusion Somen Noodles with Prawns (well, I had prawns. Ray abstained.)

Shocking though it may sound, ketchup is the basis for the smokey/sweet broth these noodles swim in. I love concocting meals from kitchen staples, & this recipe snugly fits the bill. All you really need to toss this meal together is a few tablespoons of ketchup & soy sauce, some noodles, & fresh veggies. Try this dish with soba noodles, whole wheat spaghetti, or bean threads. The prawns can easily be swapped for chicken, pork, or tofu. Throw in a bit of chili paste, diced jalapeño, miso paste, sesame oil, or any other Asian seasoning you have on hand. So, think creatively here. Now, I think it's time for a big bowl of ice cream to mourn the loss of Flight of the Concords.

Fusion Somen Noodles with Prawns, serves 2

adapted from Mark Bittman's, Egg Noodles with Soy Broth
3 tbsp. soy sauce, more to taste
3 tbsp. ketchup
1 tsp. rice wine vinegar, more to taste
a few drops dark sesame oil
a squirt of sriracha (red chili) sauce

3/4 c. napa cabbage, coarsely chopped
1 tsp. fresh grated ginger

a drop or two of fish sauce

1 - 2 scallions, minced

1 tsp. sesame seeds
a sprig or two of fresh cilantro
1/2 lb. egg noodles, preferably fresh
8 - 10 prawns, deveined & peeled

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. In a smaller pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil; once boiling, reduce heat so water bubbles gently. To the smaller pot add soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, ginger, sesame oil, & sriracha sauce, along with a pinch of salt. Stir and let simmer.

Prior to adding the egg noodles, blanch the napa cabbage for 30 or 45 seconds then set aside. Add egg noodles to large pot. If fresh, cook for no longer than a minute, if dried, cook for about 6 minutes or until the noodles tender. Drop the shrimp in the water during the last minute of cooking. Drain the noodles & rinse with cool water to stop the cooking. Taste broth and add more soy, salt, vinegar or heat as you like. Divide noodles into bowls and pour hot broth over all.

Garnish with scallions, cilantro, & sesame seeds.