HOMEMADE INSTANT NOODLE MIX SERIES: Instant cheesy Japanese curry udon/noodle mix

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp canola oil
• 1 large onion, peeled and roughly chopped
• 10 cloves of garlics, roughly chopped
• 3 tbsp onion powder
• 6 cups (1400 ml) low sodium beef or chicken broth
• 1 regular box (230~250 grams) Japanese curry cubes, such as this one (see note *)
• 5 slices of American cheese, torn into small pieces
• 1/3 cup (30 grams) grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• 4 tbsp curry powder
• 2 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp ground cayenne, plus or minus to your liking
• 2 1/2 tsp instant coffee
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. In a large, wide and deep skillet (the wide diameter creates more surface area and speeds up the reduction process), cook canola oil, onion, garlics and onion powder over high heat, until the edges of the onions are slightly browned. Add low sodium beef or chicken stock, continuing to boil over high heat, until the mixture is reduced down by 2/3, about 20 minutes.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into another smaller pot, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as you can then discard the solids. You should have about 1 1/2 cup of liquid left (it can be slightly under but not more). Now add the curry cubes, American cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, curry powder, cocoa powder, fish sauce, cayenne, instant coffee and Dijon mustard. Cook and stir over medium heat, until all the ingredients are fully melted and evenly incorporated into a thick paste.
3. Transfer into an air-tight jar and keep chilled in the fridge until needed. Can be kept for up to 1.5 (estimate) months in the fridge, or 3 months in the freezer.
4. TO USE THE MIX: You can use the mix to make a lighter drinkable curry broth, or a stronger gravy-like sauce. To make a curry broth, bring 1 cup of water to a simmer and whisk in 3~4 tbsp of instant curry mix, and let simmer for a couple minutes. Add udon noodles or other noodles of your choice. To make a gravy-like sauce, cook udon or other noodles of your choice in boiling water according to instructions. Remove the noodles and set inside a serving bowl. Mix a few tbsp of the cooking water with curry mix until it reaches your desired consistency and intensity, then mix it evenly with the noodles. As a general finishing touch, torch a slice of American cheese on top until melty, and serve immediately.

Notes