Oodles of Noodles
Today, many people view noodles as Asia’s pasta. There are many types of noodles and an even greater number of noodle dishes. They make a nutritious and satisfying one-dish meal and can be eaten anytime of the day.
Types of Noodles
Most Asian noodles are in long strands to symbolize longevity but varies in width and thickness. They are also distinguished by the ingredients used – wheat, egg, mung bean, rice or buckwheat. Wheat is more common in Northern China where wheat is cultivated widely whereas in Southern China, rice noodles are more commonly eaten.
Wheat vs. Rice
Wheat noodles are made with wheat flour, salt and water and may or may not contain eggs. On the other hand, rice noodles are made with rice flour and water and are especially popular in South East Asia. Rice noodles are 100% fat free, wheat free and gluten free.
Dry, Fresh or Instant?
Noodles can be bought both fresh and dry. Dry noodles store well for up to a year in a cool dark place, whereas fresh noodles can be kept refrigerated for two or three days. Nowadays there are countless varieties of instant noodles filling up the shelves in supermarkets. It takes only 2-3 minutes to cook them. However, instant noodles are high in fat as the noodles are first fried then dried.
Nutritious Noodles
Noodles were once considered to be fattening and have very little nutritional value. However, nutritional experts now recognise the importance of grain-based foods in our diet. Noodles are a good source of complex carbohydrates – providing our bodies with easily digestible starches, which is absorbed slowly by the body, resulting in a long lasting feeling of satiety. In addition to energy, it also provides various vitamins and minerals.
How to enjoy noodles?
Noodles can be eaten in many ways. They can be stir-fried, served in soups, or with rich meat sauces, but also simply dressed with a light soy sauce or sesame oil. Chicken, roast duck or pork, fish, shrimp, vegetables, bean sprouts and various kinds of mushrooms are popular accompaniments to a dish of noodles, all served in a special sauce. If you love Asian noodles, and you'd like to cook them at home, where do you begin?
Easy cooking with WORLDFOODS
WORLDFOODS has come up with a new range of Asian noodle sauces. With 5 different recipes derived from authentic favourites in South East Asia, you can now recreate Asian noodle favourites right in your own kitchen with minimal efforts. Simply add the noodle sauce to noodles and other accompaniments such as vegetables, meat or seafood and toss gently to create a complete meal in minutes. The best part is that our products are all-natural, made using authentic herbs and spices and do not contain artificial colouring, flavouring, preservatives, MSG, gluten and genetically modified ingredients.
