Sunday Special: Flat Noodle Fiesta offers a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience!

CELEBRITY MASTER CHEF DR KAVIRAJ KHIALANI

Introduction of Flat Noodles

Flat noodles, also known as ribbon noodles or broad noodles, are a versatile type of pasta characterized by their wide, flat shape. These noodles can be made from various ingredients such as wheat flour, eggs, or rice flour, resulting in different textures and flavours. Popular in various cuisines, flat noodles are often used in dishes like fettuccine Alfredo, pad Thai, or stir-fried noodle recipes, showcasing their adaptability and ability to absorb flavours. Whether served in creamy sauces or stir-fried with vegetables and proteins, flat noodles offer a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience.

Origin of Flat Noodles

Flat noodles have diverse origins depending on the specific type of noodle. One prominent example is Italian fettuccine, which is a type of flat pasta traditionally made with eggs and flour. Its origins trace back to central Italy, particularly the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, known for their rich culinary traditions.

In Asian cuisines, flat noodles take various forms. For instance, wide rice noodles, commonly used in dishes like pad Thai, are prevalent in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. Chinese ho fun or he fen, wide flat rice noodles, are a staple in Cantonese dishes. These noodles have ancient roots in Chinese culinary history.

Health benefits of Flat Noodles

The health benefits of flat noodles can vary based on the ingredients used and the way they are prepared. Here are some general considerations:

1. Nutrient Content: Flat noodles made from whole grains or enriched flours can provide essential nutrients like B-vitamins, iron, and fiber.
2. Energy Source: Noodles, being a carbohydrate-rich food, can be a good source of energy. Opting for whole grain flat noodles can contribute to sustained energy release due to their complex carbohydrates.
3. Versatility with Ingredients: Flat noodles can be paired with a variety of vegetables, proteins, and healthy sauces, allowing for a well-balanced meal that includes essential nutrients.
4. Low in Fat: Flat noodles, particularly when prepared without heavy sauces, can be a low-fat option, making them suitable for those watching their fat intake.
5. Customizable to Dietary Preferences: Flat noodles can be made from different types of flours, accommodating dietary preferences such as gluten-free or egg-free, depending on the chosen ingredients.

Recipe using Flat Noodles

CHICKEN PAD THAI WITH FLAT RICE NOODLES

Ingredients

• 200 gms flat rice noodles
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 1 cup firm tofu, cubed
• 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

 Instructions

• Cook flat rice noodles according to package instructions.
• In a wok, heat vegetable oil and sauté minced garlic. Add sliced chicken and tofu, cooking until chicken is browned.
• Push ingredients to one side and pour beaten eggs into the wok. Scramble the eggs.
• Add cooked noodles, tamarind paste, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Toss everything together.
• Add bean sprouts and peanuts, tossing until well combined.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges before serving.

CREAMY MUSHROOM ALFREDO FLAT NOODLES

Ingredients

• 200 gms flat wheat noodles
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

• Cook flat wheat noodles according to package instructions.
• In a pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender.
• Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
• Toss the cooked noodles with the creamy mushroom Alfredo sauce.
• Season with salt and black pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley.

SPICY GARLIC SHRIMP FLAT NOODLES

Ingredients

• 200 gm flat wheat noodles
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

• Cook flat wheat noodles according to package instructions.
• In a bowl, mix minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil. Marinate shrimp in this mixture for 15-20 minutes.
• Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Cook marinated shrimp until pink and opaque.
• Toss cooked noodles with the spicy garlic shrimp.
• Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

TERIYAKI CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE FLAT NOODLES

Ingredients

• 8 oz flat egg noodles
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

• Cook flat egg noodles according to package instructions.
• In a pan, heat vegetable oil. Sauté sliced chicken until cooked.
• Add broccoli, bell pepper, and julienned carrot to the pan. Stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp.
• Pour teriyaki sauce and soy sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Toss to combine.
• Add cooked noodles to the pan, tossing until well coated.
• Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

LEMON GARLIC VEGETABLE FLAT NOODLES

Ingredients

• 220 gms flat rice noodles
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

• Cook flat rice noodles according to package instructions.
• In a pan, heat olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
• Add mixed vegetables to the pan and cook until tender.
• Toss cooked noodles with the sautéed vegetables.
• Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest over the noodles.
• Season with salt and black pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley.

PEANUT SESAME TOFU FLAT NOODLES

Ingredients

• 200 gms flat wheat noodles
• 1 cup firm tofu, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Crushed peanuts and chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

• Cook flat wheat noodles according to package instructions.
• In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, peanut butter, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and maple syrup (or honey).
• Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Sauté tofu until golden.
• Add shredded cabbage to the pan and cook until slightly wilted.
• Toss cooked noodles with the tofu and cabbage. Pour the peanut sesame sauce over the noodles and toss to coat.
• Garnish with crushed peanuts and chopped green onions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, flat noodles offer a versatile canvas for creating a variety of delicious and satisfying dishes. Whether you’re exploring international cuisines like Pad Thai, Alfredo, or Szechuan, or opting for creative combinations like Lemon Basil Shrimp or Teriyaki Tofu, these recipes showcase the adaptability and flavours that flat noodles can bring to your table. From the comforting warmth of Coconut Curry Seafood to the boldness of Garlic Sesame Beef, these recipes provide a range of culinary experiences to suit different tastes. Experiment with these recipes, make them your own, and enjoy the delightful world of flat noodle cuisine!

Celebrity Master Chef Dr Kaviraj Khialani is a Mumbai-based hotel-restaurant and food consultant. He is specialised in over 33 international cuisines and has quality experience with hotels and airlines as a part of his long journey of over two decades in his chosen field. Chef Kaviraj is a renowned author, academician, food designer, writer and has also been awarded several national awards and global recognitions for his talent & outstanding achievements. Besides having been featured on several food shows on ColorsTV and Star Plus he is a mentor, coach and guide to aspiring to be future chefs and hoteliers of tomorrow.

He can be contacted at twitter: @kaviraj_chef, Mobile: 91 9820939336. Mail: chefkaviraj249@gmail.com

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