Recipe: Udon with Chicken and Scallions (Tori Nanba Udon)

This recipe is from M.S. Milliken and S. Feniger. Andrea, this recipe doen't have any peppers in it but otherwise fits your specifications.

Udon with Chicken and Scallions (Tori Nanba Udon)

8 c. dashi
2 tsp. salt
3 Tbl. each: dark soy sauce and light soy sauce
2 Tbl. sugar
2 Tbl. mirin
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
6 green onions, cut into 2-inch lengths and halved lengthwise
6 to 8 fresh shitake mushroom caps, crisscrossed on top with knife
1/4 head Napa cabbage cut into 1-inch squares
1 pound fresh, refrigerated or frozen udon noodles

In a large pot, bring dashi just to a boil, then add salt, soy sauce, sugar and mirin. Stir to dissolve, then bring the broth back to a gentle boil, and add chicken pieces. Simmer until the chicken is tender, about 10 minutes, skimming any foam. Add the onions, mushrooms, and cabbage and simmer another 2 to 3 minutes.

Meanwhile. bring a large pot of unsalted water to a rapid boil. Add noodles, bring back to a boil, and cook, stirring occasionally, until they just begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Drain noodles in a colander and rinse under cold running water while rubbing noodles to remove surface starch. Serve immediately, placing noodles in individual warm, deep bowls. Ladle hot broth over the noodles, and arrange pieces of chicken, onions, and mushrooms on the noodles. Serve immediately.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings