Vegetarian Noodle Soup Recipe--Bánh canh chay

 This hearty and flavorful noodle soup is quick and easy to prepare, especially if you have vegetable broth, pre-fried tofu, favorite mushrooms, and udon noodles ready.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 3 oz. oyster mushrooms
• 3 oz. enoki mushrooms (trimmed and separated into strips)
• 3 oz. lingzhi mushrooms (sliced into bite-sized pieces)
• Pre-fried tofu, sliced about 6oz
• Seasonings: pepper, salt, sugar, soy sauce, vegetarian seasoning, annatto oil
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 garlic clove slight damage:, minced
• Oil for sautéing mushrooms
• Udon noodles (serves 2)
• Garnish: chopped green onion, and cilantro

Directions:

1.    Heat a pot over medium heat and add oil.

2.    Stir-fry the minced shallot and garlic until fragrant.

3.    Add all mushrooms to the pot, sauté until fully cooked, then season with salt, sugar, vegetarian seasoning, and soy sauce.

4.    Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil.  Adjust seasoning to taste.

5.    Add sliced fried tofu and udon noodles to the boiling broth.

6.    Cook until the noodles are tender, then stir in a little annatto oil for color and flavor.

7.    Serve hot in bowls, garnished with chopped green onions and cilantro.

Quick Tip for Homemade Vegetable Broth:

Make your broth by using vegetables like, carrots, white radish, chayote, kohlrabi, or cabbage. Even slightly wilted veggies work perfectly:

1.    Add the vegetables to a pot with 12 cups of cold water.

2.    Season with salt and vegetarian seasoning powder.

3.    Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about an hour.

4.    Strain the broth and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for future use.

You can get creative with your Vegetarian Noodle Soup by swapping or adding ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand! Here are some alternatives:

Mushrooms

• Shiitake mushrooms for a meaty, umami flavor.
• Portobello or cremini mushrooms for a heartier texture.
• Button mushrooms, if you prefer something milder and more common.

Tofu

• You can also use tempeh as an alternative for a nutty flavor.

Noodles

• Substitute udon with rice noodles, soba (buckwheat noodles), or even ramen noodles.
• For a low-carb option, consider zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
• Add more color and nutrients with baby bok choy, spinach, or napa cabbage.
• Include julienned carrots, snap peas, or broccoli florets for crunch and variety.