Healthy(-ier) Noodles

           
If you're wondering about the title, let me tell you that Instant Noodles is NOT healthy. It (usually) is made up of refined flour which has zero nutrients! But... IT IS TASTY! ☺ I find it even more tasty when I add some vegetables & other spices! And this post it titled Healthier Noodles because by adding the veggies, you make it slightly healthier than just plain noodles!! :-D This is a very basic version of Noodles (not the CHINESE type)

Ingredients
Instant Noodles - 1 packet (I used a 200 grams packet)
Water - as per instruction on the cover OR enough to cover the noodles
Capsicum - 1medium finely chopped
Carrot - 1 medium finely chopped 
Onion - 1 medium finely chopped 
Any cooking Oil - 1 teaspoon
Salt - 1 teaspoon
Green Chili - 1 finely chopped 
Garlic - 2 cloves finely chopped (optional)
If you don't get the ready to use garnish powder (tastemaker) with your noodles, you can substitute it with the following spices -
Salt - 1 teaspoon
Groundnut powder - 1 teaspoon
Turmeric Powder - 1 teaspoon
Onion Powder - 1 teaspoon
Cumin Powder - 1 teaspoon
Red Chili Powder - 1 teaspoon
Garam Masala - 1 teaspoon (optional)
***Mix them all together and use instead of the taste-maker / ready to use powder given in the noodles' packet.

To make the noodles -
1. Heat the oil in a wok. Add the garlic & sauté for 1 minute.

2. Add the chopped onions & sauté until it is a little soft (around 1-2 minutes on high flame)

3. Next, add the chopped carrot, green chili and capsicum and stir fry for 1-2 minutes.

4. Add the taste maker (ready to use powder given in the packet of noodles). If not, add the alternative powder mix as given above. Let it cook for 1 - 2 minutes.

5. Add the water. (You can adjust the amount of water later on too. So, adopt a conservative approach while pouring water into the wok.) Let it be on high flame until it starts to boil.

6. Add the noodles now. You can either break them and add or add it just like that. I don't break them because I like my noodles to be long & connected so that it is fun while eating with a fork! :-)

7. It has to cook on high flame for about 2-5 minutes (you'll know when it is done. the water would have evaporated & the noodles is soft)

8. Remove from heat, garnish with some coriander / cilantro leaves & serve! ☺ ☻