Have you ever been sick? Or have a little one who is sick? Well, that’s how my day started out. Little guy woke up not feeling good; he couldn’t keep anything down. Lunchtime rolls around…I ask if he wants “soup noodles”, aka ramen. He instantly lit up because he knew ramen is not something we eat too often. And low and behold, someone is now feeling better and keeping his food down.

Comfort food, gotta love it. Who doesn’t love a good, cheap bowl of ramen noodles? This is a great way to dress up an inexpensive family favorite in a new and different way.

1 pkg instant Ramen (flavor of your choice)
1 to 1-1/2 c water (depending on how dry you want the soup)
1 star anise pod
1/2 tsp Asian style fried garlic
A few pieces of green vegetables of your choice (we like celery and broccoli)
1/4 of a chicken breast or protein of your choice, sliced thin (optional)
2 tsp vinegar
1/2 tsp sriracha chili paste

In a medium sized sauce pan, bring the water with the star anise and garlic to a boil. While waiting for the water to boil, place vinegar and sriracha in the bottom of the bowl you are using to serve the soup. Once boiling, add in the vegetables, protein, noodles and seasoning packet. Mix well, until the noodles and meat are cooked through, about 3 minutes. Once cooked, add soup to the serving bowl and mix the liquid together well.

***the base of this soup is always the same…star anise, vinegar and ramen. Feel free to change up the protein and vegetables. A poached egg tastes amazing in this soup; as do chilies. I’ve even topped it with a handful of peanuts and a pinch of sugar…The possibilities are endless.