Who doesn’t love a good bowl of noodles? Whether it’s a comforting bowl of chicken ramen or a spicy plate of pad Thai, noodles have always been a popular and versatile dish. But have you ever tried making noodles out of carrots?
Yes, you read that right! In this blog post, I will be sharing with you a unique and delicious recipe for carrot button noodles. These vibrant orange noodles not only add a pop of color to your plate but also offer a healthy alternative to traditional wheat or rice noodles.
So let’s get cooking and explore the wonders of carrot button noodles!
What is Carrot Button Noodles?
Carrot button noodles are thin, ribbon-like strands made from carrots. They can be prepared using a simple and easy-to-follow technique that requires minimal ingredients.
By boiling the carrots until tender and then using a button press or similar device to shape them into noodles, you can create a nutritious and visually appealing dish.
Carrot button noodles can be enjoyed on their own or used as a replacement for traditional noodles in various recipes.
Why This Recipe Works:
1. Healthier Alternative: Carrot button noodles are an excellent option for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet. By replacing traditional noodles with this carrot-based alternative, you can add a serving of vegetables to your meal while reducing your intake of refined carbohydrates.
2. Versatile and Customizable: Carrot button noodles can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stir-fries to salads and pasta dishes. Their mild flavor allows them to absorb the flavors of the accompanying ingredients, making them a versatile choice for any cuisine.
3. Easy to Make: This recipe requires only a few simple steps and ingredients. With a bit of patience and a button press, you can effortlessly transform a humble carrot into a bowl of colorful and appetizing noodles.
4. Kid-Friendly: If you have picky eaters at home who refuse to eat their vegetables, carrot button noodles could be a game-changer. The vibrant color and fun shape are sure to capture their attention and make mealtime more enjoyable.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Carrot Button Noodles:
To prepare carrot button noodles, you will need the following ingredients:
- Carrots: These are the main ingredient and source of flavor in the recipe. Carrots are used to make the carrot button noodles, providing a nutritious and colorful alternative to traditional pasta.
- Water: Water is used to boil the carrots until they are tender. It helps to soften the carrots, making them easier to process into noodles.
- Salt: Salt is added to the water to enhance the flavor of the carrots as they cook. It also helps to season the noodles once they are cooked.
- Corn Starch: Corn starch is used as a thickening agent in the recipe. It helps to create a sauce or glaze that coats the carrot noodles, adding flavor and texture.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the dish. It is often used to sauté the noodles or to make a sauce to drizzle over them.
- Wild Garlic: Wild garlic is used to flavor the dish, adding a mild garlic taste and aroma. It complements the sweetness of the carrots and adds depth to the overall flavor profile of the dish.
How To Make These?
Step 1: Prepare the Carrots
– Start by peeling and trimming the carrots. Cut them into thin, long strips resembling noodles. You can use a julienne peeler or a kitchen knife for this process.
– In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Once the water is boiling, add the carrot strips and cook them for about 2-3 minutes or until they are tender but still slightly firm.
– Once cooked, drain the carrots and set them aside.
Step 2: Shaping the Carrot Button Noodles
– In a bowl, combine the corn starch and water to create a thick paste. This paste will act as a binding agent for the carrot noodles.
– Toss the cooked carrot strips in the corn starch paste until they are well coated.
– With the help of a button press, press the coated carrot strips to form thin, button-like noodles. If you don’t have a button press, you can shape them using your hands to achieve a similar result.
– Once all the carrot strips are shaped into noodles, set them aside.
Step 3: Preparing the Sauce
– In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the wild garlic sheets and sauté them until they become fragrant and crispy.
– Remove the wild garlic sheets from the pan and set them aside for garnishing.
– In the same pan, add the carrot button noodles and sauté them for about 2-3 minutes or until they are heated through.
Step 4: Serving the Carrot Button Noodles
– Transfer the carrot button noodles to serving plates or bowls. Garnish them with the crispy wild garlic sheets.
– You can serve the carrot button noodles as is or pair them with your favorite sauce or protein. They work well with a variety of sauces, including Asian-inspired dressings and marinades.
Tips:
– To enhance the flavors of the carrot button noodles, you can toss them with a drizzle of sesame oil or soy sauce before serving.
– For added crunch and freshness, garnish the noodles with chopped scallions or cilantro.
– Experiment with different vegetables and herbs to create unique variations of carrot button noodles. Adding beetroot or spinach to the carrot strips can create colorful and nutritious twists on the recipe.
– If you want to make the dish vegan, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or plant-based butter alternatives.
– The corn starch helps bind the carrot strips together, but you can use other binders like arrowroot powder or tapioca flour if preferred.
Nutrition Information:
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 50-60 kcal
- Total Fat: 4-5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.5-0.7 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 60-100 milligrams (depending on salt usage)
- Total Carbohydrates: 4-5 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugars: 2-3 grams
- Protein: 0.5-1 gram
How to Store The Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, you can store the carrot button noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat them in a pan or microwave until warmed through. Note that the noodles may lose some of their texture upon reheating but will still be delicious.
What are some recommended side dishes for carrot button noodles recipe?
1. Grilled Chicken: Serve the carrot button noodles alongside a juicy grilled chicken breast for a complete and satisfying meal. The mild flavor of the noodles complements the smokiness of the chicken.
2. Stir-fried Vegetables: Pair the carrot button noodles with a colorful medley of stir-fried vegetables, such as bell peppers, snap peas, and mushrooms. The combination of textures and flavors will create a well-rounded dish.
3. Sesame Ginger Slaw: Create a refreshing side dish by tossing shredded cabbage, carrots, and cucumber in a tangy sesame ginger dressing. This slaw adds a crunch to the meal while complementing the carrot noodles perfectly.
4. Spring Rolls: Serve carrot button noodles alongside fresh spring rolls for a light and flavorful meal. The noodles add a unique twist to this classic appetizer, making it a great option for a gathering or party.
If the items are not available in your pantry, what are some substitute options for the ingredients?
1. Carrots: If you don’t have carrots on hand, you can substitute them with other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes. Keep in mind that the texture and taste of the noodles may vary depending on the substitution.
2. Corn Starch: Corn starch can be replaced with arrowroot powder or potato starch in equal quantities. These substitutes work as effective binders for the carrot noodles.
3. Wild Garlic: If wild garlic is not readily available, you can use garlic cloves or garlic powder to add flavor to the carrots while sautéing.
4. Butter: Substitute butter with olive oil, coconut oil, or any preferred cooking oil for a vegan or dairy-free option. The choice of oil will impact the flavor profile of the dish.
Carrot Button Noodles Recipe
Equipment
- stove
- Stick blender
- kitchen towels
Ingredients
- Water for boiling
- 250 g Carrots
- 4 sheets Wild Garlic
- 50 g Butter
- 220 g Corn Starch
- 3 tbsp Water
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Carrots
- – Start by peeling and trimming the carrots. Cut them into thin, long strips resembling noodles. You can use a julienne peeler or a kitchen knife for this process.
- – In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Once the water is boiling, add the carrot strips and cook them for about 2-3 minutes or until they are tender but still slightly firm.
- – Once cooked, drain the carrots and set them aside.
Step 2: Shaping the Carrot Button Noodles
- – In a bowl, combine the corn starch and water to create a thick paste. This paste will act as a binding agent for the carrot noodles.
- – Toss the cooked carrot strips in the corn starch paste until they are well coated.
- – With the help of a button press, press the coated carrot strips to form thin, button-like noodles. If you don’t have a button press, you can shape them using your hands to achieve a similar result.
- – Once all the carrot strips are shaped into noodles, set them aside.
Step 3: Preparing the Sauce
- – In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the wild garlic sheets and sauté them until they become fragrant and crispy.
- – Remove the wild garlic sheets from the pan and set them aside for garnishing.
- – In the same pan, add the carrot button noodles and sauté them for about 2-3 minutes or until they are heated through.
Step 4: Serving the Carrot Button Noodles
- – Transfer the carrot button noodles to serving plates or bowls. Garnish them with the crispy wild garlic sheets.
- – You can serve the carrot button noodles as is or pair them with your favorite sauce or protein. They work well with a variety of sauces, including Asian-inspired dressings and marinades.
Notes
- – To enhance the flavors of the carrot button noodles, you can toss them with a drizzle of sesame oil or soy sauce before serving.
- – For added crunch and freshness, garnish the noodles with chopped scallions or cilantro.
- – Experiment with different vegetables and herbs to create unique variations of carrot button noodles. Adding beetroot or spinach to the carrot strips can create colorful and nutritious twists on the recipe.
- – If you want to make the dish vegan, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or plant-based butter alternatives.
- – The corn starch helps bind the carrot strips together, but you can use other binders like arrowroot powder or tapioca flour if preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Can I freeze the carrot button noodles?
Answer: Freezing carrot button noodles is not recommended, as the texture and taste may be compromised upon thawing. It is best to enjoy them fresh or store them in the refrigerator for a few days.
Q2. Can I use other vegetables to make button noodles?
Answer: Absolutely! Carrot button noodles are just one variation. You can experiment with other vegetables like zucchinis, cucumbers, or even beets to create your own unique noodle creations. Just adjust the cooking time and technique accordingly.
Q3. Can I use a spiralizer to make carrot noodles?
Answer: While spiralizers are commonly used to make vegetable noodles, they may not be suitable for carrot button noodles. The button press technique ensures that the noodles have a distinct shape, which may not be achieved with a spiralizer.
Q4. Are carrot button noodles gluten-free?
Answer: Yes, carrot button noodles are naturally gluten-free as they do not contain any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. However, it is important to check the labels of any additional ingredients or sauces used in the recipe to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
Q5. Can I make carrot button noodles in advance?
Answer: The carrot button noodles are best enjoyed fresh, as their texture may change after being refrigerated. However, you can prepare the carrot strips in advance and store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator until ready to shape and cook.
Conclusion:
Carrot button noodles are a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals while adding a burst of color to your plate.
This unique and delicious recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional noodles, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake or experiment with creative and nutritious dishes.
With just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can create a bowl of appetizing carrot button noodles that are sure to impress family and friends. So why not give this recipe a try and discover a new favorite addition to your culinary repertoire? Happy cooking!
