Glass Noodle Goody: A Fast and Easy Dish

I came home wanting a fast meal--and what's faster than glass noodles (about five minutes in boiling water) combined with broccoli florets?

But they need flavor. That's easy, too. All you need (for a single serving) is a 250 ml pack of coconut milk (about 9 oz) and a spoonful of Tom Yum hot and sour paste, or red curry paste, or, if you're short on all, some grated ginger and crushed garlic, along with cumin and turmeric. I always put in garlic and ginger anyway.

Instructions: 

Wash broccoli, cut off florets, rinse and drain in collander. Set aside.

Bring a large pot of water to boil; add a teaspoon of salt.

In a smaller pot, heat a little peanut oil and add grated ginger (a piece about half the size of your thumb) and crushed garlic (to taste, but I always think lots is good).

When the garlic and ginger start to smell good, add the coconut milk and at least a tablespoon of the Tom Yum paste. Stir and turn down heat.

Add the glass noodles and the broccoli to the water; boil about five minutes. Rinse in cold water (keeps the broccoli green and prevents the noodles from sticking) Pour on the coconut Tom Yum sauce. Consume with a glass of red wine.