Noodle Soup

The dried packet soup powders are high in salt and have low nutritional value but they can be very handy on rushed days.
I do use them, especially on days when I don't have fresh stock available.
Using the soup as a basic stock and loading it with fresh vegetables, tofu and adding noodles to it.
In Singapore, all the ingredients are commonly available but I have also made this in India with the seasonal veggies and its still delicious. So if u can't find any ingredient, just replace it with another, will still work well.
Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions work well. If you choose to add chicken/seafood or both then add these in the sauteing stage. Also if u wish to add egg, then beat it well and add at the end.

Because of adding so many ingredients to it, one packet can give 6-8 bowls of soup.


Ingredients

Any packet soup, Chinese style (not cream style) 1
Onion, peeled and chopped 1
Garlic, peeled and chopped 2 cloves
Canned/fresh mushroom, washed and quartered 1/2 can/6-8 pcs
Vegetarian ham, chopped 4 tbsp
Dried bean curd skin, soaked and sliced thin 1 stick
Noodles dried /fresh 30 grams/ 1 cup
Silken tofu (for Soup), cut into small cubes 1/2 packet
Carrot, peeled and cubed 1
Beans, strung and chopped 10-15 pcs
Spinach/ fresh greens, cleaned and torn 1 cup
Cabbage, cut into cubes 1/2 cup
Spring onion, chopped 2 stalks
Coriander, chopped 3 tbsp
Water 1.5 to 1.8 litres
Oil 1 tbsp
Soy sauce to taste
Pepper 2 pinches

Heat oil in a big soup pot, add the chopped onions and garlic, saute for a few seconds.{If adding any chicken or seafood, add at this stage} . Add the veg ham, the mushrooms and pepper. Cook for a few minutes. Add one and a half litres of water and boil.
In a small bowl, pour the soup pd and add 1/2 cup of tap water and mix well.
Once the water begins to boil in the soup pot add the soup mix. Mix well.
Check seasoning. Depending on yr taste and the salt content in the soup mix u might need to add some soy sauce at this stage
Now put the bean curd skin, tofu and the dried noodles (if using fresh noodles don't boil too long). Boil until the noodles are softened.
Add all the fresh veggies and turn off the fire.{ If adding egg, add at this stage.} The veggies will cook in the hot soup. Sprinkle spring onion and coriander.
Serve hot.