Noodle Soup with Star Anise Broth

Based on Nigella Lawson's Noodle Soup for Needy People. I didn't have all the ingredients so I was winging it - still turned out pretty good though. I loved the subtle flavour brought by the star anise. I used matchstick carrots, fresh shitake mushrooms and bean sprouts.

Noodle Soup with Star Anise Broth

Ingredients

6 ounces soba or rice noodles (dried, from a packet)

3 cups vegetable or dashi broth

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 star anise

1 teaspoon minced ginger

2 tablespoons soy sauce

3/4 cup bean sprouts

3/4 cup sugar snaps

3/4 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms

2 heads baby bok choy, finely sliced

2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro leaves

Method

Cook the noodles according to packet instructions and while the water is boiling fill a nearby saucepan with stock, brown sugar, star anise, ginger and soy sauce. (When the noodles are done, just drain them and put half in each bowl.)

When the flavored stock comes to a boil, add the vegetables. 

They should be cooked before 2 minutes are up.

Pour half into each bowl, over the cooked and drained noodles and sprinkle with cilantro.