Easy Ramen - Gluten and Dairy Free

 Did you eat those gross little store packs of ramen during college because you could buy them for between 10 and 40 cents each (and make them super fast!)?  Yep.  And do you absolutely hate the thought of eating them now? Yep. 

But this is a super simple, super yummy ramen that is good for you! My kids love it.  There's nothing weird in it.  It is just easy and nourishing.  

Enjoy! 

Easy Ramen - Gluten and Dairy Free 

2 chicken breasts 

salt, to taste 

pepper, to taste 

garlic, to taste 

**

5 cups chicken broth 

1 tsp. ground ginger 

1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

3 Tbsp. gluten free soy sauce 

1 tsp. salt 

**

gluten free ramen noodles (see below) 

green onions, sliced  

Cut up your chicken, season with salt, pepper, and garlic, and pan fry until cooked.  Set aside. 

**

In a pot, add broth, spices, and soy sauce.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 - 15 mins. Turn off heat and add cooked chicken. 

**

Meanwhile, cook your ramen noodles in boiling water according to the package instructions (this just takes a few minutes).  Add your cooked noodles to bowls.  Add the broth and chicken.  Top with sliced green onions.  

Enjoy!  

These are the gluten free noodles that we like!  We buy them at Costco: 

Easy Vegetarian Taco Casserole - Gluten and Dairy Free

One day, my giant 15 yr. old son walked in the door, saw me cooking and said, "I hope that's a bunch of meat!"  The boy literally never stops requesting the ambiguous "meat".  Growing, son? 

Anywho, . . . that day I just shrugged and continued to make my vegetarian taco casserole.  

Bwahahaha.  

For the record, he ate about 5 helpings of the dinner with no meat.  

On a related note, did you know that rice and beans, when served together form a complete protein? It's one of a handful of facts I remember from my college nutrition class.  

So, growing boys, have no fear! You are getting complete proteins with this yummy meal! 

Easy Vegetarian Taco Casserole - Gluten and Dairy Free

1 cup of uncooked rice 

1 can black beans, drained  

1 can corn, drained 

1 cup salsa 

1 - 2 tbsp dried onions 

2 tsp. garlic 

1 tsp. salt 

1/2 tsp. pepper 

1 tsp. cumin 

1 can of refried beans, warmed

Optional toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, avocados, olives 

Cook the rice.  While the rice is cooking, mix the black beans, corn, salsa and spices in a bowl till well combined.  Spread cooked rice in a 9 x 13 dish.  Spread can of refried beans on top of rice (you can warm it first to make spreading easier). Spread black beans, corn, and salsa mixture on top of refried beans.  

Bake at 350* for 20 minutes.  

Top with toppings of choice. We like lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, avocados, and olives.  

YUM!