Udon Noodle Soup with White Beans

video password: soup [case sensitive]

[5 ingredients | 10 minutes]
udon noodle soup with white beans
serves 2

Udon noodles are wonderful fat, slippery little suckers made from wheat. They come from Japan and are usually available in shelf stable form so will keep in the pantry until you need them.

They only takes a few minutes to cook which makes them really handy to have on hand. Feel free to use different beans here. Canned soy beans, black beans, or even pinto beans would all be great.

1 can white beans (400g / 14oz)
2 packets soft udon noodles (200g / 7oz each)
5 tablespons soy sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 bunch coriander (cilantro)

1. Place beans and the liquid from the can in a large saucepan over a medium heat.

2. Add 3 cups water, noodles and soy sauce.

3. Finely chop the stems of the coriander (cilantro) and add to the soup.

4. Bring to a simmer, stirring to break up the noodles. Cook for a few minutes or until everything is hot.

5. Add half the remaining coriander (cilantro) leaves. Taste and season with salt and/or more soy.

6. Divide between 2 bowls and serve with remaining coriander (cilantro) leaves sprinkled on top.

quantities for different serving sizes:

You can easily double or triple this recipe. The cooking time will be about the same, maybe slightly longer.

prepare ahead?

The noodles can keep soaking up liquid and go a bit icky if you leave them for more than a few hours so I’d say it’s best to make this soup when you’re ready to eat.

variations for dietary requirements:

gluten-free – Replace the udon (wheat) noodles with rice noodles or mung bean noodles or even gluten-free spaghetti.

troubleshooting guide:

too bland – Season more generously with salt or soy sauce. Or add a dash of chilli powder or chilli flakes.

don’t have any noodles– No problem. Cook some spaghetti or bucatini until not quite done then drain and add as above. Or do the same with dried wheat noodles.

no fresh cilantro – Substitute in other greens. Basil would take it down a different part (skip the part about chopping the stems and adding). Spinach added at the end would be another lovely addition.

don’t like beans? – I’m surprised you made it this far! No problems, replace with chopped tofu or cooked chicken.

serving suggestions

A meal on its own.

leftover potential:

Better served fresh.