Yakamein

I just learned of this dish for the first time ever a few nights ago, however, the moment I saw it I knew I'd have to make it. This bizarre dish is a cross between gumbo and ramen. It's known in New Orleans as Old Sober, as it's a very comforting and warming noodle that seems a perfect hangover cure. Whatever this dish is, it certainly tastes good. Feel free to use any noodles of your choice, and do serve with hot sauce or soy sauce drizzled on top. I came across this recipe on NY Times.

Ingredients

• 2 TB Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1pound chuck roast, thinly sliced
• 4 TB neutral oil
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne powder
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• 4 cups beef stock (preferably unsalted or low-sodium)
• 8 ounces spaghetti
• Soy sauce or hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix together Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning and garlic. Toss the beef with the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
2. As the beef marinates, heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Add celery, onion, bell pepper and salt. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, cayenne and ginger; sauté for another minute. Transfer the vegetables to small bowl.
3. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pot. Working in batches, sauté the meat over medium-high heat, about 4 minutes on each side, until you get a nice crust on the outside. Add vegetables and the beef stock back to the pot with the beef. Stir well and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, and stirring occasionally, until beef is tender, about 40 minutes to 1 hour. Taste soup and adjust for seasoning.
5. As the soup simmers, set a medium pot of salted water to boil, and, about 10 minutes before serving, add spaghetti to the pot and cook according to the package directions. Drain the spaghetti.
6. Serve in bowls, making sure that each bowl has noodles, broth, and beef. Add soy sauce or hot sauce, if you like.

Serves 4.