UDON NOODLES WITH SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS IN GINGER BROTH

Udon Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms in Ginger Broth image

Yield serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 ounces Japanese udon or soba noodles
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger (1 1/2-inch piece)
2 shallots, very thinly sliced
1/4 pound (about 12) shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, caps wiped clean and quartered
2 cups homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock
1 teaspoon rice-wine vinegar
2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
3 cups (about 3 ounces) spinach, tough stems discarded, rinsed well, drained, and cut into 2-inch-wide strips
4 scallions, thinly sliced diagonally into 2-inch pieces

Steps:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles, and cook until al dente, according to package instructions, about 8 minutes. Drain in a colander, toss with the sesame oil, and return to the pot. Keep warm.
Meanwhile, in a medium sauté pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ginger, shallots, and mushrooms; cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to soften and turn golden brown, about 2 minutes.
Stir the chicken stock, vinegar, and soy sauce into the pan, and bring to a simmer. Cook until the mushrooms are very tender, about 5 minutes. Add the spinach and scallions, and stir to combine.
To serve, divide the noodles among 4 shallow bowls; ladle the soup over the noodles.