Ramen Noodles: Not just a Poor Man's Meal
The other night, I was preparing dinner for myself. As my roomate walked by, he said, "Prall, you're still eating Ramen? We're not in college anymore, you can afford better food." I was taken a bit by surprise. Eating Ramen isn't an indication that I have no money. I eat it because I like it.
I have always grown up knowing Ramen noodles as part of a basic stipend to an Asian diet, and I think there is a misconception that is just a college food when you're just strapped for cash.
Sure, Ramen is cheap (approximately 10-15 cents/package), and if wanted to have a quick meal, you could probably do it with Ramen. But to make Ramen a truly well balanced, fulfilling meal, you don't just boil the noodles and sprinkle on the seasonings - you have to dress it.
I eat Ramen in a soup base form. I boil the water, add the season package, and then add the noodles. Now, from here, this is where you can be use your imagination. I usually add vegetables (frozen mixed vegetables, or Bok Choy), spring onions, 1 or 2 scrambled eggs, and/or meat of my choice. You can also add other seasonings if you'd like (chillies, garlic, soy sauce, etc.) The Ramen has been transformed to a wonderful, simple, complete meal.
I generally partake on Ramen about twice a week - I never get tired of it, and it's an easy way for me to eat carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables. It's fairly low calorie and fat, but is very filling due to the broth.
In Asian cultures, you will find a plethora of different types of noodle dishes, including Ramen. I enjoy it, and though Ramen is stereotyped in a negative light, I will continue to enjoy the tasteful pleasures of my Ramen noodle concoctions.
Comments
Yo Ramen is great. I never knew the stigma that was associated with it until I got to college. We used to eat it in my house growing up a we always thought it was a treat. Though I was always a big fan of draining out the broth after it is cooked. I just likes the noodle
Posted by: Meesh | February 3, 2005 09:51 PM
I imagine it might be an American thing. Not sure why though.
Posted by: cwp | February 4, 2005 09:56 AM