I love watching food trends emerge! Seeing them first in their infancy and then later take off in more of a mass market environment. This is one of the perks of running a food manufacturing company like The Pasta Shoppe where we have the opportunity to exhibit at the International Fancy Food Show twice a year. We get to walk the aisles and see for ourselves the newest and most creative flavors, packaging, and categories of foods. Sometimes it’s a year or more before they hit retail shelves or show up on menus.
Don’t you love that it’s called “Fancy”?! I’m not sure any entrepreneur who has exerted as much blood, sweat, and tears over many years perfecting their recipe, packaging, and sales pitch, aka. “What makes my product differentiated and valuable” actually feels that “fancy”?! 🙂
But once you make it to this international stage, you have earned the right to feel and act “fancy” or any other way that makes you feel good. Soooo back to trending foods…have you seen all the broth bowls? Broth bowls are the modern day “ramen noodles” dressed up. I love this trend! There are restaurants popping up focusing only on this popular and totally satisfying healthy trend. And I’m feeling quite trendy today with my kinda copycat Miso Broth Bowl with Whole Wheat Noodles.
First of all, I grew up with lots of Asian food and pretty much ate my way through college on ramen noodles. I mean – who didn’t? 4 for $1.00 and usually the best deal on the grocery shelf. Now way back then I wouldn’t have added anything to my noodle bowl…but now? Watch out! You can do anything with a broth bowl and noodles!
My inspiration came from a recent road trip where I saw a large eye-catching billboard advertising the “Panera Broth Bowls” and wow, did it catch my attention. The combination of colors, textures, and noodles had me immediately. Now, I had re-create it for myself.
And the best news is? “Bowls” are simple.
*Make broth. (Instant is OK!)
*Add noodles.
*Surround with bright, fresh, colorful, veggies and meat (optional).
*Season as desire and slurp away!!
“Really?” You are asking. “That’s it?” Yes! Yes! Read the recipe below and see what I mean! I hope this inspires you to create your own versions of one of our trending foods – broth bowls. And if you do, please come back to share! If you are interested in learning more about our Whole Wheat Angel Hair Noodles, you can check them out here, and for more Asian inspired dishes, try our Thai Chicken Pasta and our Sweet and Spicy Sesame Noodles!
