Email to Cat      

Udon in Buttery Tomato and Soy Broth

Source of Recipe

Bon Appétit, March 2021


Recipe Introduction

"In this hybrid soup, which borrows elements of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese soups, Andy Baraghani simmers whole cinnamon and star anise in the tomato broth to add a light sweetness, while finely ground black pepper gives it some heat. You may be surprised at how quickly this broth builds flavor, with massive depth from golden onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, and just a tiny bit of butter for a silky finish."

Recipe Link: https://tinyurl.com/udoninsoybroth

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 2 large beefsteak tomatoes, halved crosswise, seeds removed
â—¦ ¼ cup vegetable oil
â—¦ 2 large onions, very thinly sliced
â—¦ 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
â—¦ 1 1-inch piece ginger, peeled, finely grated
â—¦ 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
â—¦ 2 whole star anise
â—¦ 1 3-inch cinnamon stick
â—¦ Kosher salt
â—¦ 2 7-ounce packages instant udon noodles, flavor packets discarded
â—¦ 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
â—¦ 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
â—¦ Toasted sesame oil (for serving)
â—¦ 4 scallions, thinly sliced
â—¦ ½ cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaves with tender stems


Recipe

Starting at cut end, grate tomatoes on the largest holes of a box grater into a medium bowl until all that's left is the flattened tomato skins. Set grated tomato aside.

Heat vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium. Cook onions, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring often, until onions are very soft and evenly golden, about 5 minutes. Add ginger and pepper and cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Add grated tomato and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3 minutes. Add star anise, cinnamon stick, and 5 cups water; season with salt. Bring to a simmer over medium-high, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently until flavors come together, 8 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook udon according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Add soy sauce and butter to broth and stir until butter is melted. Fish out star anise and cinnamon stick and discard. Season with more salt if needed.

Divide noodles among bowls; ladle broth over. Add a few drops of sesame oil; scatter scallions and cilantro on top.

Makes 4 servings