Ramen Ara

Ingredients

• 150g bacon, rind removed

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed and chunky diced

• ½  white onion, diced

• 1 long green chilli, sliced

• 1 packet of ramen noodles

• 1 egg

• 2 tablespoon butter

• 1 packet of ramen stock

• 500ml hot water

• 100ml cream

• 50g parmesan cheese

• Pinch of salt

• ½ teaspoon pepper

• Extra virgin olive oil (optional)

• ¼ cup parsley, chopped

• ¼ cup spring onions, chopped

Method

1. Prepare the bacon by trimming off the rind, slicing it into small pieces, and reserving the rind to cook for extra flavour.

2. Place a skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and rind to the pan and begin rendering the fat.

3. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil if the bacon is lean.

4. Lightly crush a garlic clove, roughly chop it, and add it to the pan.

5. Slice a white onion into thin strips and add it to the skillet. Cook until the onions begin to soften.

6. Dice fresh green chillies (or use dried chilli or cayenne) and add them to the pan, adjusting the amount to your preferred heat level.

7. Open the ramen noodle packet and read the instructions to determine the recommended volume of water (usually around 500 ml). Break the noodles into smaller pieces while still inside the packet, using your hands or the back of a spoon.

8. Add the flavour sachet from the ramen packet to the measured water, stirring to dissolve.

9. Pour the noodle cooking liquid into the pan with the bacon, onions, garlic, and chilli. Bring to a gentle simmer.

10. Add the broken ramen noodles to the pan. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the noodles soften and absorb most of the liquid (about 5–6 minutes).

11. Whisk an egg lightly in a small bowl. Pour it into the pan while stirring, allowing it to thicken slightly and coat the noodles.

12. Add butter and cream to create a rich, silky sauce. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce becomes glossy and cohesive.

13. Add spring onion and parsley, stirring them through the noodles.

14. Sprinkle cheese over the top — grated block cheese or cheese from a packet both work well — and let it melt slightly into the hot noodles.

15. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.