Castilian-Leonese Style Udon Soup

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Japanese Nabeyaki Udon is transformed into a Castilian-Leonese style soup. The original dish is typically made with Japanese ingredients such as dashi broth, soy sauce, and seafood. In the Castilian-Leonese version, the broth is enriched with flavors commonly found in Castilian-Leonese cuisine, such as beef or pork, seasonal vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices. This adaptation brings a new depth of flavor to the dish while still maintaining the comforting and hearty nature of the original. We alse have the original recipe for Nabeyaki udon, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) udon noodles 250g (8.8 oz) udon noodles
• 500ml (2 cups) beef or pork broth 500ml (2 cups) beef or pork broth
• 200g (7 oz) beef or pork, thinly sliced 200g (7 oz) beef or pork, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced 2 potatoes, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring the beef or pork broth to a boil.
2. 2.
   Add the thinly sliced beef or pork, onion, carrots, potatoes, minced garlic, bay leaf, paprika, and dried thyme to the pot.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
4. 4.
   While the soup is simmering, cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. 5.
   Once the soup is ready, season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   To serve, divide the cooked udon noodles among serving bowls and ladle the hot soup over them.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Udon noodles — Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions, but make sure to slightly undercook them as they will continue to cook in the hot soup.
• Beef or pork — For tender meat, thinly slice it against the grain. If using beef, choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye. If using pork, opt for pork loin or tenderloin.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of red wine to the soup while simmering.
• Customize the soup by adding other seasonal vegetables like peas, green beans, or mushrooms.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
• To make it heartier, add a poached egg on top of each serving.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, but the noodles may become softer.

Serving advice

Serve the Castilian-Leonese Style Udon Soup hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with crusty bread or a side of steamed rice for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish each bowl of soup with a sprig of fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika. Serve the soup in colorful ceramic bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients.