Latvian-style Ramen

Ingredients

While the original Japanese ramen typically features ingredients like soy sauce, miso, and seaweed, this Latvian adaptation incorporates local flavors such as dill, caraway seeds, and smoked bacon. The broth is infused with these aromatic spices, giving the dish a distinct Baltic twist. Additionally, traditional ramen toppings are replaced with Latvian vegetables like cabbage and root vegetables, adding a hearty and wholesome element to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Ramen, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon miso paste 1 tablespoon miso paste
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 4 slices smoked bacon, chopped 4 slices smoked bacon, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned 2 carrots, julienned
• 2 cups (150g) shredded cabbage 2 cups (150g) shredded cabbage
• 200g ramen noodles 200g ramen noodles
• 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved
• Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish) Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 12g (4g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (8g sugars)
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic, sliced onion, and julienned carrots to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
3. 3.
   Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add the soy sauce, miso paste, and caraway seeds. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Add the shredded cabbage to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, or until wilted.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. 6.
   Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth and vegetables over the noodles.
7. 7.
   Top each bowl with the crispy bacon, soft-boiled egg halves, and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
8. 8.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Serve the Latvian-style Ramen hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon — Choose a good quality smoked bacon for a rich and smoky flavor.
• Caraway seeds — Toast the caraway seeds in a dry pan before adding them to the broth to enhance their aroma.
• Ramen noodles — Cook the noodles al dente to maintain their texture in the soup.
• Soft-boiled eggs — For perfectly soft-boiled eggs, cook them for 6-7 minutes and then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
• Fresh dill — Use fresh dill as a garnish to add a refreshing herbal note to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• To add extra depth of flavor to the broth, simmer it for a longer time, up to 1 hour, before adding the vegetables.
• Customize your Latvian-style Ramen by adding other Latvian vegetables like turnips or parsnips.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of Latvian chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the broth.
• Experiment with different types of miso paste to find your preferred level of saltiness and umami.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon.

Serving advice

Serve the Latvian-style Ramen in deep bowls, allowing the flavors to meld together. Provide chopsticks and spoons for an authentic ramen experience. Enjoy it while it's hot to fully savor the comforting flavors.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of Latvian-style Ramen with a sprig of fresh dill and a sprinkle of caraway seeds for an attractive presentation. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the rich broth will make the dish visually appealing.