Dinner Tonight: Ramen + Ice Cream (with Magic Shell)

In Japan, eating ramen is serious business. There's a lot of slurping, a lot of sipping, and not a whole lot of talking. It makes sense -- with all the flavors, heat, and slippery noodles, ramen is one of those dishes that deserves your undivided attention. The real deal can take up to 3 days to make, but this version can be on your table in an hour (don't worry -- it'll taste just as good).  And since ramen packs in protein, veggies, and carbs, we're skipping the side and having dessert instead, in the form of ice cream with magic shell.  

Click through on the recipe photos or titles to see (and save and print) the full recipes, but we've also written you a handy grocery list and game plan below.  

Bacon & Egg Ramen by Aliwaks

 

Magic Shell by Marian Bull 

The Grocery List 

Serves 2

1 quart homemade or low sodium chicken broth
1 inch fresh ginger 
3 ounces smoky slab bacon 
One 2-inch piece a from a stalk of lemongrass 
1 package of ramen noodles (toss the soup packet) 
1 tablespoon black vinegar 
1 handful chopped scallions
1 handful julienned mustard greens, baby spinach leaves, or kale 
2 bars (160 grams) good quality chocolate 
100 grams coconut oil 
Ice cream of your choice 

We're assuming you have 4 cloves of garlic, 2 eggs, some soy sauce (regular, if you don't have dark), and some sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce). If not, add those to the shopping list, too. 

The Plan 

1. Place bacon, ginger, garlic, and lemongrass in a pot. Add stock and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.

2. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook ramen noodles according to directions. Drain and set aside.

3. Remove bacon, lemongrass, and ginger. Reserve the bacon for later. Add in greens (unless using baby spinach), soy sauce, and vinegar. Taste and check for salt, then add salt and pepper to taste.

4. Slice the bacon. Add sliced garlic cloves to a pan with the bacon, and fry both until crisp.

5. Drop eggs one at a time into the stock. (if you crack them in a bowl first, it is less likely that you will accidentally get a shell in your soup.)

6. Place ramen noodles (and baby spinach if using) in a bowl. Carefully remove the eggs before they are completely cooked (a slotted spoon works best), and place them on top of the noodles. Ladle the hot broth over the eggs and noodles.

7. Top with bacon, fried garlic, and scallions. Garnish with a squirt or two of hot sauce.

8. When you're ready for dessert, chop your chocolate and add it to a microwave-safe container with coconut oil. Melt in 30-second intervals until liquid.

9. Pour over ice cream, and watch it harden. Then crack it open. Magic!