Noodles are one of the much-loved and most popular street foods in India. It is also cooked in Indian homes. Different preparations of noodles are perfect for a hearty and delicious breakfast.
Though street-like noodle dishes are our lingering obsession, if it comes to health and hygiene, we will surely go for the home-cooked ones.
It is never to suggest that home-cooked noodles lack the ‘X’ factor that makes the dish too delectable to ignore. In fact, the desi-style always has a pool of loyal fan base, both at home and out on the streets!
Indians have given some delicious twists to authentic noodle recipes. Indian spices and flavors leave their signature touch on noodle dishes, which are integral to Indo-Chinese cuisine.
Some of my favorite Indo-Chinese noodles are hakka noodles, veg/chicken chow mein, Szechuan noodles etc. Butter chicken noodle is a new variant but extremely popular.
The best part of noodles is that they can be cooked in a few minutes. Hence, any noodle dish is perfect for your craving anytime.
What is Noodle?
Noodles are a type of food made from unleavened dough, which is typically made from wheat, rice, or other starches.
They are often cut into strips or other shapes and then cooked in boiling water or broth. Noodles are a staple in many cuisines around the world, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian, India, and American.
They can be served hot or cold, and in dishes ranging from simple soups and salads to complex stir-fries and stews.
Noodles come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from thin and delicate to thick and chewy.
Use of Noodles Indian Cuisines
Veg chowmein is the one of the most preferred choice in Indian houses. It is easy to make and especially in winter, plenty of colorful vegetables enhance the taste factor a few notches up.
Carrot, cauliflower, cabbage leaves, tomato sauce, chilli sauce and soya sauce add to the color and taste.
It is just a matter of a few minutes and I really love the way the vegetables are tossed in the pan and mixed with noodles.
Egg chowmein is full of flavours. The dish looks tempting with shredded eggs, vegetables and plenty of sauces. Desi flavours add to the delight.
Chicken chowmein or mixed chowmein is a popular street food. In many households, it is a weekend special just like luchi or paratha.
Shredded chicken and scrambled eggs are fried in the pan and then mixed with noodles and other vegetables.
The bites that the non-veg ingredients bring to the plate perk up craving. More feels less for many!
Hakka noodles are a comfort food for many health-conscious people. An assortment of sauces and shredded veggies has made it a big hit with almost everyone.
It is a kind of veg chowmein, with the only exception that noodles are not fried in the pan. Szechuan Noodle stands out from other varieties for its spice quotient.
The perfect mix of Szechwan peppers, black peppers and red peppers balances the tanginess of vinegar and sauce in the most perfect way. The flavorsome dish can fulfill your craving any time.
Butter chicken noodle has the aristocracy of buttery texture and taste. It is fairly a new entry into India’s street food scenario.
However, given average Indians’ love for spicy delicacies, it has become an instant hit with the crowd.
People love the texture of noodles and the flavor of authentic butter curry. A super wholesome treat for your taste buds that love to be pampered!
How Do You Make Noodles More Delicious?
You can easily make the noodle delicious by adding different flavors and seasoning like chili flakes, paprika, black pepper, star anise cinnamon.
You can also add bell pepper, capsicum, carrots, beets, lettuce, peas, green onion, sesame, garlic cloves, honey, peanuts, soya chunks, chopped cilantro, corn, crab, prawn to make it much more spiced up.
You can even add cheese, milk, butter, pork, chicken, etc.
What Goes Good with Noodles?
There are many things that go well with noodles, and it largely depends on personal preference and the type of noodles you are using. Here are some suggestions:
Vegetables: Try adding some vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and snow peas to your noodles for some added nutrients and flavor.
Sauces: Experiment with different sauces to see what you like best. Some popular choices include soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, peanut sauce, or even a simple olive oil and garlic sauce.
Herbs and spices: Add some fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or parsley, and some spices like ginger, garlic, or chili flakes to enhance the flavor of your noodles.
Broth: If you’re making a noodle soup, try adding some broth for a more flavorful base. Chicken, vegetable, or beef broth can be used depending on your preference.
Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to noodle dishes, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things!
How Do You Add Egg to Noodles?
There are a few different ways to add egg to noodles depending on the recipe you are following. Here are three common methods:
Scrambled egg: Whisk together an egg in a small bowl. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat and pour in the egg. Scramble the egg until fully cooked and set aside.
Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain them. Toss the noodles with the scrambled egg, some soy sauce, and any other desired seasonings.
Poached egg: Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer. Crack an egg into a small bowl. Use a spoon to swirl the water in the pot to create a whirlpool, then carefully pour the egg into the center of the whirlpool.
Let the egg cook for 3-4 minutes until the white is set but the yolk is still runny. Remove the egg with a slotted spoon and set aside. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain them.
Place the poached egg on top of the noodles, then drizzle with some soy sauce and any other desired seasonings.
Fried egg: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Crack an egg into the pan and cook until the white is set and the yolk is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Remove the egg from the pan and set aside. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain them. Place the fried egg on top of the noodles, then drizzle with some soy sauce and any other desired seasonings.
Why Do You Add Vinegar to Noodles Before Eating It?
Adding vinegar to noodles before eating can enhance the flavor of the dish and also help to balance out the flavors.
The acidity of the vinegar can cut through the richness of the noodles and sauce, making it taste more balanced and less heavy.
Additionally, vinegar can add a slight tanginess to the noodles, which can be quite appealing.
Some people also believe that adding vinegar to noodles before eating can aid digestion, although there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim.
Ultimately, whether or not to add vinegar to noodles before eating is a matter of personal preference.
Why Do You Rinse Noodles in Cold Water?
Rinsing noodles in cold water after cooking them serves several purposes.
First, it stops the cooking process and prevents the noodles from becoming too soft or mushy.
Second, it removes excess starch from the noodles, which can make them sticky and clump together.
Finally, it cools the noodles down quickly, making them easier to handle and preventing them from becoming overcooked if you plan to use them in a cold dish.
Questions & Answers:
Should You Butter the Noodles?
You can add butter to the noodles which actually gives you a perfect butter taste that makes it creamy and at the same time perfect.
Can You Add Olive Oil to Noodles?
Yes you can add olive oil to the noodles while dressing it up.
Do You Season Noodles Before or After Cooking?
We don’t season noodles before cooking but after cooking we do add seasoning to the cooking. You can add chili flakes, oregano and other spices to the noodles. You can also add some chili sauce, tomato sauce and more.
Can You Add Garlic to Instant Noodles?
Yes, why not you can definitely add onion and garlic to the noodles. This actually adds up to an extra flavor that is completely wonderful and perfect.
What is the Best Seasoning to Put in Noodles?
You can simply put chili flakes, paprika, black pepper, star anise cinnamon, etc. In fact you can also go for any types of ready made flavors too.
Conclusion
Noodles are a versatile and much-loved food that is a staple in many cuisines around the world, including Indian cuisine.
While street-style noodle dishes are popular, home-cooked noodles are a healthier and hygienic option.
Indian spices and flavors add their unique touch to noodle dishes, which are integral to Indo-Chinese cuisine.
Noodles can be served hot or cold, and a variety of vegetables, sauces, and herbs and spices can be added to enhance the flavor.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to noodle dishes, making them perfect for any craving and any occasion.
