Sardines Sotanghon Noodle Soup

 

It was close to 4 p.m. and my daughter already asked for food.   When I offered her some snacks, she demanded on eating 'real food', instead.  As her mother, I know what that means...she prefers to eat 'something' that goes with rice.  Yes, proud to say she's my little rice burner just like her Mama!  Had nothing in mind on what to prepare so to the pantry I went....contemplating as my eyes searched through the stored canned goods hoping to come up with something quick and easy to feed the tiny hungry mouth.  As I 'hunt' in the pantry, I spotted canned Sardines and some vermicelli noodles...and the 'light bulb' suddenly turned on!  Cooking this dish was a breeze...few minutes later, I had a one happy princess!  This happened to be one of her favorite Filipino dishes.  This dish is so versatile that you can adjust the liquid depending on your preference of consistency.  If you're like us, we eat this with rice (as most Filipinos are known for eating almost everything with rice, yes, everything!  And that includes any pasta or noodles!).  With that said, I normally put more liquid when I make them just for that reason however, if you prefer a little bit to the dry side, by all means adjust the liquid (lesser) until it completely soaked into the noodles and eat it as is.  Either way, it's a very good comfort food, rain or shine!

Ingredients:

1 4oz. canned Sardines in tomato sauce or olive oil

1 bundle 50 grams vermicilli noodles, soaked for at least 10 minutes

1 roma tomato, chopped

1/4 yellow onion, chopped

1 garlic, minced

1 tablespoon tomato paste (if using sardines in olive oi)

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or a dash of sriracha sauce (optional)

1 stalk green onions, chopped (garnish)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1-2 cups water (depending on the cosistency of the noodles according to your preference)

Heat oil in a sauce pan in medium high heat.  Add garlic until golden brown.  Stir in red pepper flakes, onions and tomatoes for 1-2 minutes.  Add sardines in tomato sause or (sardines in olive oi, plus tomato paste) breaking big chunks apart but not shredded for 1 minute.  Stir in water, bring to boil and simmer for 1-2 minutes.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Add noodles and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.  Serve hot over steamed rice sprinkled with green onions, or enjoy it without the rice!