Ramen Noodles with Cajun Andoille Sausage

True to my enthusiasm for foreign influences and unlikely combinations, I combine the wonder of Asian Ramen noodles in minutes, with the joy of fresh veggies, and the jazz of American Cajun Andouille sausage.

Drink up your Hurricane fast, because you will be eating before you you know it (and well before your room-mate’s take-out delivery ever gets delivered).
1-1/2 cup water
1 package dried Top Ramen noodles, slightly broken up - I used beef
4-inch section smoked Cajun Andouille sausage - I used Dartanion brand
1/3 orange pepper sliced
1-1/2 cups fresh baby spinach
2 Tbsp frozen peas
2 Tbsp frozen corn
dash sesame oil

Black (or golden roasted) sesame seeds for garnish, optional

Heat water to boiling in a medium pot. Add the dried noodles and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring every once in a while. Add the sausage, veggies, sesame oil and the contents of the spice flavor pack (or use 1 Tablespoon soy sauce).

Bring to a boil, toss gently but well (chop sticks work well!), and simmer for about another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat when the noodles JUST become NEARLY tender to eat. Do not overcook, as the noodles will continue to cook in your bowl.

Tip into a bowl and garnish with sesame seeds (or not).

Serves 1.

Cook's Note:  I adore Ramen Noodles (and noodles in general), and love the fact they are quick,  But let's be honest - they're simple carb and nutritionally banal unless you doctor them up with some veggies and such.  Use what you have in the fridge and freezer and make them at least as much volume as the noodles.  Add some tofu, chicken, shrimp or really any protein you like to bump it as a full meal.

Below I use some leftover NY strip steak, some bok choy, cut up, and some frozen veggies on hand.  Delicious.