Saturday, May 19, 2012


Nebraska - I've become a nurse, housekeeper, gardener, handyman, and as always, a chef, with my family here.

I'm not complaining. I just want my dad to recover quickly.

My mother-in-law told my dad he should eat whatever I cook so he can get better faster. And the RN just told us yesterday that eating more protein will help his incisions heal faster.

The daily lunch special is low-sodium sliced turkey on whole wheat bread with light mayo served with potatoes and a veggie.

Dinner varies, but the other night I made a noodle soup, inspired from a recipe in the American Heart Assn. Cookbook. My mom immediately told me that dad wouldn't like it because it was "different." I'm like, how do you know? If you don't try it, you'll never know.

Generally, my dad seems to give me a bit more leeway since I am a professional in the kitchen.

And when you're told to make more changes to your diet, you really don't have a choice. So all that fat-free, low sodium, fish oils and healthy fats become a necessity.

This is a type of soup I'd make at home, so that's why it appealed to me. You taste a hint of the ginger and lime while the veggies add color. The beef is tender and provides a good dose of iron and protein. Cooking time is only about 30 minutes.

And guess what? Dad liked it!

Afiyet olsun!
Healthy Asian beef-noodle soup served in my mom's good china for dinner.
Healthy Asian Beef-Noodle Soup
Serves: 6 as a main course

1          #          (500 g.)            package of whole wheat angel hair pasta

6-7       c.         (1.5+ L)           low-sodium or sodium-free beef broth
1-inch  piece                            fresh ginger cut into large pieces
1/2       ea.                                lime zest strips
1/2       tsp.                              granulated sugar

4-5       ea.                                garlic cloves, chopped small
1          ea.                                large onion, chopped small
3-4       ea.                                mixed sweet peppers, cut into 1-inch strips
3          ea.                                carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch strips
1          lb.        (500 g.)            boneless sirloin beef, cut into thin strips
1/2       T.                                 toasted sesame oil

1/2       c.                                 flat leaf parsley (or cilantro), roughly chopped
TT                                            freshly ground black pepper

Garnish:
1          ea.                                lime, cut into thin wedges
I found these colorful sweet peppers at our local Hyvee. I wish we had this variety in Turkey.
First, in a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package's directions. Strain and set aside.

In the same pot, add the beef broth, ginger, lime zest and sugar. Bring to a simmer. Let steep for 5 minutes. Then, remove the ginger and lime zest.

Add the vegetables, beef and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer, cooking just until the meat is cooked through. Then add the parsley and pepper.

Add the reserved noodles back to the pot. Stir to combine. If you'd like your soup to be a bit more brothy, just add some water or more beef broth.

Garnish each serving of soup with a lime wedge.

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9 comments:

jaz@octoberfarm said...

hi joy! success!!! glad your dad liked the soup! hope he is healing fast!

Karen said...

Beautiful!

Terry (Adventures in Ankara) said...

Thanks for the recipe and Gecmis Olsun! Your parents sound like mine. Mom always said Dad liked his food burnt. But Dad ate whatever I made for him.

Unknown said...

I bet they're just so happy you're there and running the kitchen! Take care.

Julia said...

No wonder your dad liked it. It looks great. Hope he's on the mend.

Lizna Liisu A. said...

Thankyou for the recipe, I'm sick and I think this recipe will just cheer me up =) Tekrar cok tesekkurler canim! iyisindir umarim.

Joy said...

Hello everyone,sorry not always able to get wifi
But dad is doing a bit better but a long way to go. Thank you!

Jules said...

I am so glad your father is doing well. I had to come back to the US from Ankara this spring to help out my family too.

Gecmis Olsun!

Joy said...

@Jules, thank you! It IS hard being so far away from family at times. I'm just thankful I was able to rush home for my dad's emergency surgery and help out with his recovery.