Herbal Ramen

Herbal ramen noodles are one of my family’s favorite home remedies. Even my picky children eat this up (and that says a lot)! There is something about being able to care for yourself, your family, and your friends with plants. Plants that you grow in your garden or plants that you sustainably and intentionally forage. Keeping in mind that there are plants that are unsafe and toxic so it is best to forage things that you know personally and have been taught by a local herbalist.

Ingredients:

• Broth of your choice
• Thyme
• Sage
• Calendula (petals only)
• Rosemary
• Dill
• Bee Balm (monarda fistulosa)
• Ginger Powder
• Onion Powder
• Garlic powder
• Turmeric Powder
• Black pepper
• salt (keep in mind if your broth already has salt)
• Ramen Noodles

If you don’t have all of the ingredients don’t fret! This is not an exact recipe. It is more of a guideline and is meant to spark an idea inside of you. Start playing around with the ingredients and making your own herbal broths to add to ramen noodles and see what works and doesn’t work for you and your family!

• Start by putting the appropriate amount of broth in the pot. If you are making this from a package of ramen noodles, use 2 cups of broth per package. So if you are making two packages, then use 4 cups of broth etc.

• Then add in your herbs and spices. The amounts are not really specific. I would start with a pinch, remembering you can always add more, but you can’t take ingredients out as easily ; )
• Simmer the herbs for a few minutes
• Add your noodles and cook according to the directions. Usually around 3 minutes.
• Let cool slightly and serve!

You can make this recipe easy and quick, or you can put more time into it if you have the opportunity to do so. Here are some ideas if you’d like to take more time and put a little extra love into this broth.

• Make bone broth and use that as your broth
• Cut up fresh garlic and onion. Start the recipe by putting some butter in a pan, and adding the onion and garlic on a low heat. Cook the onions and garlic until the onions are translucent (a bit see through) Stirring them often to avoid browning. Then add the broth and herbs.
• Use Traditional ramen noodles, soup noodles, or even homemade noodles instead of packaged ramen noodles
• Add a splash herbal vinegars like echinacea or mugwort vinegar (for adults only) for added Herbal benefits
• Add nettle as an additional dried herb, or you can make nettle infusion and add bouillon or better than bouillon paste to it and use that as your broth.

Herbal Broths are a great way to care for yourself, your family, and your friends during cold and flu season! You can add your favorite ramen ingredients to this, or you can use this broth to make a traditional chicken noodle soup. Play around with it and make it your own. Develop a relationship with these plants and see how they can be great allies for you and your loved ones. Sit with them in your garden or in a field and listen to the ancient wisdom that they carry. It is right there, waiting for you to listen.