What The Heck Is Ramen?
Ramen is a beloved Japanese noodle soup, that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide, and especially here in Canada. It features a flavourful broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and an array of toppings, making each bowl a unique and comforting experience.
Where Did It Come From?
Ramen's origins trace back to China, where wheat noodles were brought to Japan by Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century. Over time, ramen evolved into a distinctly Japanese dish, with regional variations reflecting local ingredients and culinary traditions. Today, ramen enjoys widespread popularity and is celebrated as a cultural icon in Japan and beyond.
What's In A Bowl?
Ramen has evolved to bring together a wide range of ingredients, but the signature components include:
- Noodles: Made from wheat flour, water, and kansui (alkaline mineral water), ramen noodles are springy and chewy, providing the perfect texture to soak up the broth.
- Broth: Considered the soul of ramen, the broth can be based on pork (tonkotsu), chicken (shoyu), seafood (shio), or miso, each offering its own depth of flavour.
- Toppings: Common toppings include a protein like sliced pork (chashu), soft-boiled egg (ajitsuke tamago), bamboo shoots (menma), nori (seaweed), and green onions.
Why is It Good for You?
Ramen, when enjoyed in moderation, can be a nutritious, satisfying and filling meal. It provides a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, while the broth offers a rich flavour and warmth with every slurp. Ramen can also be customized with nutrient-rich ingredients like vegetables and proteins to enhance its nutritional profile, such as Crafty Ramen's Chicken Tantanmen that has 27g of protein.
How to Enjoy It Right At Home
Crafting a delicious bowl of ramen at home is easier than you think!
With our new line of Heat & Eat Ramen, you can elevate your culinary experience in the comfort of your own kitchen. Your bowl will include all the essential ingredients, from fresh handmade noodles and rich broth made from scratch, to delectable unique toppings, ensuring an authentic and restaurant quality ramen experience every time. If you're feeling crafty, you can also customize your bowl with your favourite toppings for a truly personalized ramen adventure.
Indulge in the rich flavours and comforting warmth of a wide range of recipes sure to transport you to Japan, right in your own home. Explore our selection of recipes and embark on a culinary journey like no other. Slurps up ramen-heads!
