1 T. sesame oil

3 t. grated ginger

4 t. grated garlic

4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

4 cups water

1 oz. dried shiitake mushrooms

2 packages instant ramen (noodles only!)

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium low heat. Add the garlic and ginger; stir fry for 2 minutes or until soft and fragrant.

Add the broth and the water. Bring to a simmer; add the mushrooms and simmer for 10 minutes or until the mushrooms have softened and the broth is flavorful. Remove mushrooms from broth. Remove stems from mushrooms, then slice mushrooms and return to the broth.

Add the instant noodles to the hot liquid and simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until the noodles have softened. Top as desired. Makes about 4 servings. (Feel free to double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd.)