Venice is definitely a city for one's bucket list

 

Ramen is one of Japan’s most famous dishes, loved for its rich, comforting broth and customizable toppings. Here’s a simple recipe to bring the authentic taste of ramen into your kitchen.

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Ingredients:

For the Broth:

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon miso paste (white or red)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon mirin (optional, for sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons sake (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

For the Noodles:

• 4 servings ramen noodles (fresh or dried)

Toppings (optional but recommended):

• 2 soft-boiled eggs (marinated in soy sauce)
• 1 cup sliced green onions
• 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into strips
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button mushrooms)
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots
• Chashu pork (braised pork belly) or chicken slices
• Chili oil or sesame seeds for extra flavor

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:

   • In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Add the chicken or vegetable stock, water, soy sauce, miso paste, mirin, and sake. Stir to combine.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

2. Cook the Noodles:

   • While the broth is simmering, cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Assemble the Ramen:

   • Divide the cooked noodles between 4 bowls. Pour the hot broth over the noodles, making sure the noodles are fully submerged.
   • Add your desired toppings: sliced green onions, soft-boiled eggs, corn, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and meat (if using).
   • Garnish with nori strips and drizzle with chili oil or sesame seeds for an extra kick of flavor.

4. Serve:

   • Serve the ramen immediately while the broth is hot. Enjoy the deep umami flavor and comforting texture of this Japanese classic.

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This ramen recipe is a great starting point for your global recipe collection. It's versatile, allowing you to adapt toppings and ingredients to your liking. Perfect for a hearty meal any time of the day!