Ponyo Noodles

There is a scene in Ponyo where the mom comforts the children, wet from the storm, with bowls of instant noodles.

It's Sis and Bud's new favorite dish, "Ponyo noodles," they call it (it's also one of their favorite movies). And that being a Japanese animated film, of course, I use ramen. And just like the mom in the film, I let it soak for 3 minutes in the boiling water and add special ingredients. I always slowly stir in a beaten egg (a la Chinese egg drop soup, another of their favorites) and also various vegetables like frozen corn (which also serves to cool those burning hot noodles) or chopped broccoli, inspired by the way Mama Hungry ate instant noodles as a child, meaning you always add whatever you have on hand to it (because, mind you, this is in no way an original recipe. And actually not how the mom in the film makes it). The kids have even added torn pieces of deli ham! Because Ponyo loved ham . . . . I use more water and less of the salty spice packet than called for, but the kids hardly notice as they slurp up their favorite lunch.

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Ponyo Noodles

1 packet of instant Japanese noodles (though, we like the Korean ones too! And in a pinch, vermicelli and a cube of chicken bouillon suffices, but then you have to boil the pasta according to directions!)

1 egg, beaten

2 1/2-3 cups water

vegetables of your choosing (corn, peas, mixed, broccoli, even a Chinese stir fry mix, whatever your kid will eat)

Boil water as directed. If using raw vegetables, place in water from the beginning. Otherwise, add frozen vegetables at the end. When water has reached rolling boil, slowly pour egg in and whisk vigorously. Then add noodles (break them up in the package carefully for easier eating) and spice packet (as much as you want). Soak for 3 minutes. Add frozen veggies, which will immediately cook and simultaneously cool the soup. Feel free to add other additions--cooked chicken, edamame, wontons/dumplings (if frozen, add at beginning and boil with water), deli ham! Enjoy!

Mommy Hungry