These noodle bowls are ready in 15 minutes – perfect for school holidays and weekends when the meal train seems never-ending. I also make this – sometimes minus the gyozas – when working from home for a quick lunch. I use shop-bought gyozas which I always keep in my freezer. As always, play around with the veg you add.
Most North American Jews are familiar with sweet noodle kugels. But there are also many savory noodle kugel varieties, which can include garlic, onions, mushrooms, or even spinach. This kugel is a recipe from my husband’s grandmother, Baba Billie. It has an extra garlic kick, fantastic mouthfeel, and a nice crunchy top. You can use fresh garlic if you want, but I think the jarred garlic in oil really is the preferred ingredient.
Fresh Chinese noodles are found in the refrigerator section of most Asian food markets. The best noodles for lo mein are about 1/4-inch thick and are sold in 1-pound packages. You can use 8 to 10 ounces of dry spaghetti in place of the fresh noodles. For the Lunar New Year noodles are often served because they symbolize longevity. In addition, shiitake mushrooms symbolize prosperity and scallions bestows intelligence.
Cottage cheese was a favorite of early colonial settlers, who made it at home in their “cottages.” I especially love it with warm egg noodles, a habit formed as a kid in my own home and at the homes of Jewish friends, where it was served as kugel. Over the years, I’ve gussied up the basic concept by adding creme fraiche, leeks melted in butter, and a sizable amount of dill (by far my favorite fresh herb). Lemon zest lends brightness, and a flurry of creamy feta adds salt and soul. My cottage-cheese-and-noodle dish is “good enough for company”—as my grandmother would say—while still satisfying my nostalgic craving.
When I’m home late from a long day’s cooking but still craving something flavour-packed and comforting to round off the day, this is what I make. These are ingredients I tend always to have in my kitchen, but you could easily mix it up with whatever veggies are in your fridge.
This crispy noodle and savoury meaty sauce combo is a winner!