A few key dilemmas came up this weekend... All of them being food, dinner, and what to do with it. What to make? I dont feel like cooking! We dont have food! Im on a budget! were all spoken words this weekend. I didn't feel like making a entire meal and my chicken I took out to unthaw was still frozen from the night before..so I had to think otherwise... Staring into my fridge with both doors open, I remembered I had stashed some fresh ramen noodles in the freezer from a previous work event, and I had a slight cold this week so I had some broth left over. I always keep a supply of eggs on hand and I had some fresh spinach left from my smoothies. Also, I randomly had some frozen chicken wontons in the freezer as well... Voila! Ramen noodle bowl!

Fresh ramen noodles (not the cakey powdery stuff) can be found in Asian markets. I used chicken broth but feel free to use which ever broth you have on hand. All of these ingredients can be found in your super market and be magically made fabulously with random ingredients in your home.You can add meat, veggies, herbs, oils, and any other flavors you enjoy. I threw some fresh garlic cloves and thyme sprigs in the broth as it was heating up to add more flavor [ and also a pat of butter ]. This DYI ramen is perfect for a quick and easy dinner during the week or on the weekend laying on the couch watching Scandal on Netflix! 

DIY Ramen Noodle Bowl

1 pkg fresh ramen noodles

4 garlic cloves, peeled and trimmed 

4 fresh thyme sprigs  

broth, of your choice

fresh spinach leaves, trimmed and washed 

1pk. frozen dumplings or wontons 

5-minute egg (recipe as follows) 

In a small pot, boil water and cook fresh ramen as described on package. Place garlic cloves and thyme in a large pot, along with broth and bring to a low boil. When boiling add butter, season as desired and add frozen dumplings. Place cooked ramen in a bowl, pour hot broth over ramen and garnish with fresh spinach, dumplings and 5 minute egg (and all your other desirables). 

5- minute egg: 

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Slowly submerg eggs into boiling water and set timer for 4 minutes. At the 4 minute mark, turn off fire and allow eggs to sit for 1 minute. After 1 minute, run eggs under cold. Peel eggs and slice down the middle. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.