Ramen Noodle Thai Basil Soup

Since the kids are back in school I only had to make lunch for myself today.  I wanted something quick, easy and hot to eat since it was cold out today.  Browsing my pantry I saw a childhood favorite of mine, Ramen Noodles.  Yes, you heard me correctly....Ramen Noodles!  I remember making Ramen noodles as a kid after school for a snack.  I never followed the directions, I just threw things in and it always came out pretty good.  Well, except for the time I threw in sunflower seeds and that was not so good.  I was only 11 years old... so I call that a learning experience.  Today, I decided to pump up this inexpensive packet of noodles with lots of vegetables, Thai flavors and shrimp.  The soup came together in less than 15 minutes and as I savored each bite, I told myself,  "I may be eating Ramen, but I'm eating in style".    

Ingredients:
1 packet of chicken flavored Ramen Noodles
1/4 of a yellow onion chopped
1 chili sliced (any spice level)
small handful of frozen green beans
small handful of carrots sliced
small handful of grape tomatoes sliced 
1 stalk of scallions sliced
1 clove of garlic grated *see note
1tsp of ginger grated *see note
1-2 Tbs of fish sauce
2-3 Tbs of coconut milk
1/8 tsp ground turmeric
1 smal handful of Thai Basil leaves
3-4 cups of water
5-6 large shrimp cleaned (frozen is fine) or any leftover chicken, pork, beef
Lime wedges

Notes:  Any of the vegetables and protein are optional.  You can mix and match to what you have in your fridge.

Directions:

In a large pan or skillet on high heat, add your water, fresh vegetables, whites of scallions, chicken seasoning (from Ramen), fish sauce, turmeric, garlic, ginger and bring to a rapid boil.

When the vegetables and onions are almost cooked add your noodles from the Ramen packet.  Cook for 1-2 minutes.

Next add your raw shrimp or cooked leftover meat and the frozen green beans and scallions greens.  Cook until the shrimp start to turn pink (about 1-2 minutes).  Taste for seasoning.  If you need more salt flavor add a little more fish sauce or less salt flavor add a little more water.

Then add your basil leaves and stir gently. When the shrimp are fulling cooked turn off the stove and add a squeeze from a lime wedge.  You can add more lime at the table.  Enjoy.

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