Quick Curry Noodles

This is one of those weeks where stripping the budget down to the essentials is a necessity. With that, I am trying to find new ways to use what we already have in our cupboards. There have been some spectacular failures, but this is definitely a new favorite. The noodles have a pleasant heat to them, and tossing them in the saute pan gave them some texture. Eggs for protein (and the yolks for texture) and this makes for a delicious, quick, and easy lunch.

Quick Curry Noodles
1 Bag Ramen Noodles
Small Pat of Butter
A Clove of Garlic
Curry Powder
Sweet Paprika
Sesame Oil (optional)
2 Eggs; Poached

Prepare the noodles according to the directions on the bag, discarding the seasoning packet. Set a medium sauce pan filled with water over high heat to poach the eggs.

While the water is coming to a boil finely mince the clove of garlic. Saute over medium-high heat with the butter and a small dash of sesame oil. Add spices to taste (for me this meant a little over half a teaspoon of each). Once the noodles are done, drain and toss them into the saute pan. Toss to coat them well with the seasoning. Let them sit in the pan for a minute or two, waiting for the excess water to cook off and for some crunch to develop. Flip the noodles and repeat until desired level of crispness. Put in a bowl and top with the poached eggs.

I didn't cook my noodles for more than a minute or two total because I don't like them as crisp. This is definitely something I'll be playing with some more, I really want to try other spice and add-ins (I'm picturing caramelized onions in particular) based on what we have in the house. All in all though, this is a great way to spice up a bag of cheap ramen noodles (mine were $.10) without the sodium that comes in those seasoning packets.

What's your favorite go-to from the cupboard when funds are tight?