Quick hot soup on a rainy day

CEBU, Philippines — Now that the rains are here once again, the craving for something hot for the stomach heightens. The usual coffee is no longer enough. Besides, coffee would only do for grownups, since it is not advisable for kids.

Hot milk is good for kids. But it often brings on sleepiness and so parents would not serve it to kids who are yet to go to school. Hot soup is often the answer that would do for all in the family.

The next challenge is to make hot soup fast, especially when family members are racing with time to go to school or to work. Instant noodles that just require the addition of hot water may do; but there’s the question of nutrition. Instant noodle soup mostly lacks nutrients – it fills the stomach, yes, but it does not nourish the body.

One quick and easy noodle soup recipe is Misua with Sardines. The dish is a delicious tweak to the simple ‘fish in can’, as it is turned into a flavorful soup dish. Canned sardines or mackerel will do, especially the in-tomato-sauce type.

Misua are thin flour noodles that are usually added to soups. These fine noodles can also be mixed with patola (loofa), for an invigorating Misua with Patola soup. But Misua with Sardines (or mackerel) is probably more convenient to do, and do quickly.

Here’s a Misua with Sardines soup recipe shared by Vanjo Merano, at www.panlasagpinoy.com. It is a good option for mothers rushing in the morning to send the kids off to school while also getting themselves ready for work. Vegetables may be added, if preferred.

Misua with Sardines

Ingredients:

1 small can sardines in tomato sauce

2 ounces misua noodles

2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, minced

1½ cups water

1 tablespoon toasted garlic

1 teaspoon scallion, chopped

2 tablespoons cooking oil

Procedure:

1. Heat a cooking pot and pour in oil.

2. When the oil is hot enough, sauté garlic and onions.

3. Add the sardines including the sauce and cook for 2 minutes.

4. Add in fish sauce and ground black pepper then stir.

5. Add water and let boil.

6. Put in the misua and cook for 3 to 5 minutes under medium heat.

7. Turn off the heat and transfer to a serving bowl.

8. Garnish with toasted garlic and chopped scallions on top.

Serve hot. Share and enjoy.

This recipe serves four persons.

The preparation time is 5 minutes, and cooking time is 10 minutes. Thus, hot Misua with Sardines soup is ready in just 15 minutes. Quick!