This one is interesting. The Missus wanted zaru soba...well, without the soba! Figure that one out? The Missus enjoys the Tsuyu, the daikon oroshi, wasabi, and grated ginger, but just does not like the flavor and texture of buckwheat noodles! Hmmm......so, funny thing how things just pop back up. A couple of years back, we had a tasting of GreeNoodles at Mitsuwa. The reason that we were interested was that the noodles were made with "Moroheiya", also known as Mulukhiyah, but really know to us as Molokhia, a green veggie we first encountered and enjoyed in Tunisia. Funny thing, we next saw Molokhia available for purchase at Nijiya of all places. I remember being told how healthy Molokhia is. But beyond that, we loved the slightly bitter-vegetal flavor. And the Missus enjoyed how those dried noodles tasted. Anyway, looking for an alternative to soba, I decided to get a couple of packages of GreeNoodle from Tokyo Central (aka Marukai). Of course I wasn't getting the stuff with those powdered soup packets (there's miso, tum yum, yakisoba, etc...). I was just getting a package of dried noodles - $1.99 each.
Supposedly a good amount of fiber, the noodles aren't fried, a good source of potassium, beta carotene, manganese, antioxidants, blah, blah, blah.....
The main thing is; would the Missus enjoy this? And guess what, She loves it! It's quite simple. I just boil for about 3 minutes, rinse, then put into ice water to chill, then drain. I serve it just like zaru soba. It's so refreshing!
I've made this five times over the last sweltering two weeks. I guess it's a fixture now. Though I can tell the Missus is getting tired of it because She's requested a "Ma Jiang Mian"; cold sesame noodle version. Go figure.
You know, with all the hot weather, I haven't been making anything really complex. Though, it's been quite interesting. This is another favorite of the Missus. It's based on a dish from our favorite Sichuan restaurant in Paris. So, I've made this like four times already.
Not sure it's worth a post though....
Still, I thought you might be interested in these Moroheiya Noodles; which have a better texture, taste, and is much more healthy than that instant ramen you're eating. Plus, I thought it interesting how this plant, which supposedly originated in Ancient Egypt, that we first tasted in Tunisia, and then saw for sale at Nijiya, can be found in noodle form!
Have a great weekend!
great suggestion! We're going to get some and try them out.
Posted by: Kenneth | Friday, 02 August 2024 at 08:16 PM
Hope you enjoy it Kenneth! Please let me know what you think!
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 02 August 2024 at 08:31 PM
This looks like a great meal of cold noodles at home! This weather is so odd; kind of steamy.
Posted by: Cathy | Saturday, 03 August 2024 at 02:34 AM
Yes, it was quite refreshing Cathy! And man, it's been unusually humid this year!
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 03 August 2024 at 09:53 AM
interesting but sounds delicious
Posted by: kat | Saturday, 03 August 2024 at 01:51 PM
It was nice for the hot weather we've been having Kat!
Posted by: Kirk | Sunday, 04 August 2024 at 11:31 AM
Is that dish with the gingko using that slimy yam we call “snot potato”? 😱
Posted by: Som Tommy | Monday, 05 August 2024 at 07:13 AM
Bought some of these a few years ago -- thought they were interesting, but never bought any more. That zaru soba setup looks great though...
Posted by: Peter | Monday, 05 August 2024 at 08:17 AM
LOL ST! Yes, that's yamaimo....
The Missus doesn't like soba, so this ended up being a decent and more healthy alternative Peter. We just did cold sesame noodles using these as well.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 05 August 2024 at 08:59 AM