Super Ramen: Instantly Healthier

Recently, I had a discussion on Facebook about "white trash food" with my friend, Brook, from Learn to Preserve. She described making a "mocha" out of hot cocoa mix and coffee while on jury duty, and I related my undying love for Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and ramen noodles. (Just so there is no confusion, when I say "ramen noodles," I don't mean a steaming bowl of hand-made noodles from an authentic ramen house tucked away in Little Tokyo. I mean the package of instant Top Ramen that costs 19¢ at any grocery store.)

There are just those certain foods that you carry a torch for your whole life, foods that give you comfort and satisfy a craving that no other food can. It may be Captain Crunch, Cheez-Wiz, or Mountain Dew, but we all have at least one of these embarrassing (usually unhealthy) foods tucked away in our pantry.
I started thinking about whether instant ramen should really be considered "white trash." (And what does "white trash" mean anyway?) I don't think I know anyone of any ethnicity, income or background who doesn't like a bowl of instant ramen noodles. The consumption of instant ramen noodles seem to span all demographics, based on my observations and conversations over the years. While instant ramen noodles have certainly helped many poor college students survive their lean years, plenty of people who can afford to spend more than 19¢ on a meal eat it regularly. And according to the World Instant Noodles Association (yes, it exists), 98 billion portions were sold in 2011 across the world. With numbers like that, it's clear that instant ramen noodles have a place in the hearts of a good chunk of the world's people.
While instant noodles are certainly ubiquitous, I have to admit they are still not a healthy choice. There is really no nutritional value, except to provide calories and a little protein. That seasoning packet packet isn't doing you any favors in terms of sodium (910 mg per serving) and MSG, and the fact that the noodles are fried is just another strike against them. (Disturbingly, the serving size is a half a packet. Really, have you ever eaten half a packet of ramen?)

So we can all agree that these have no place in a rational person's diet, but since I wasn't about to give up an occasional indulgence in instant ramen, I started making what I call "Super Ramen," a take-off on my "Super Salad." I make it healthier and more filling by adding a cup of Trader Joe's Soycutash and a handful each of broccoli, carrots, and onions, which I always have in my fridge. I use half the packet of seasoning, and I also line my bowl with spinach, which cooks quickly when the hot soup is poured over it. A generous dash of hot sauce, and you have a quick lunch that beats a fast-food combo meal any day of the week.
It may not be a "super food," but it's definitely Super Ramen.