Review of Purple Carrot's Fall Vegetable Ramen with Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash
Review Summary
Purple Carrot is a 100% plant based meal kit service based out the Boston area and I gave their Fall Vegetable Ramen with Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash the other day.
Every time i review any plant based service, i feel obligated to disclose that I'm a meat eater; a committed omnivore. Which I'm sure (even just subconsciously) colors my opinions.
Now that said, what's most important, is this dish any good? The short answer is yes!
The first taste of the finished dish actually confused me a bit...and I wasn't sure that I loved it. The truth is, this isn't a super rich/deep flavored ramen with broth that's been cooked down for hours. However, the complexity of the flavor was definitely there and after a few bites I really started to enjoy the recipe. Spicy chilis gave a good amount of heat (that you can control with more or less added in). And that spice was offset by the sweet, roasted butternut squash. The sprouts and Swiss chard provided both a bitterness and a nice texture component. Finally, the smoked nori spice, which I had never had before, gave the ramen an exotic and exciting finish.
Perhaps most important, the ramen noodles themselves were very nice. Any time there's pasta involved I worry about it being soft and mushy, but it was easy to get these noodles al dente, and the texture and flavor was great.
I could have used a little bit more broth in the dish, but fear that if I'd added more water, the flavor would have been too mild.
Despite being underwhelmed with my first taste of the ramen, once I poked around a bit, got a bit of chili, some of the smoked nori, squeezed a bit of the fresh lime, and exposed all the ingredients, the complexity of flavors came through, and I really appreciated it.
The dish took about 30 minutes to make, which is what the recipe card advertised. And none of the techniques were very complicated - everything came out as it should.
While the dish is clearly vegetable forward, I didn't feel cheated without any meat. The heat/spice helps a ton, and the butternut squash provided the "bulk" that chicken, beef or pork would normally have taken.
I happily give this recipe a thumbs up. It screams Fall flavors, it's easy to make, and quite tasty.
Ingredients
Purple Carrot ships their insulated boxes, packed with ice packs right to your doorstep. There were three recipes in my box, with the ingredients for each packed in separate bags, which makes it easy to get everything ready for the recipe.
For the Vegetable Ramen, the only minor issue I had was with some blemishes on the Brussels sprouts; where some of the outer leaves where quite black/brown. Those blemishes where easy to peel off, and didn't effect the flavor of the ramen, but if I was picking out of the grocery store, I would have skipped over the ones I got.
Everything else was really good. And I'd give a special call out to the fresh ramen noodles. Too often, fresh pasta is just plain bad. But I was completely happy with Purple Carrots.
The ingredients included in the box are:
- 6 oz butternut squash cubes
- 4 oz Brussels sprouts
- 2 oz Swiss chard
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 scallions
- 2 fresh Thai chiles
- 11 oz fresh ramen noodles
- 2 tbsp tamari
- 1 tbsp red miso paste
- 1 lime
- 2 tsp smoked nori spice
Making the dish
The ramen took me just over 30 minutes to make (while I was filming) and I don't think many home cooks are going to need much more time than that.
None of the steps are too complex, and aside from the roasted butternut squash, everything is cooked in one pot. One highlight for me, is the ability to "customize" your own bowl of ramen just before eating; adding the nori, chili, lime, and scallions to fit your personal taste.
The well written and easy to understand directions are split up in 6 steps:
- Roast the Butternut Squash: The squash is tossed with some olive oil and salt (they don't suggest, but i would also add pepper), and roasted in a 425 degree oven for 16 - 18 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. You also start a pot of water to cook the ramen.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Prepping the vegetables requires a bit of knife work, which you can do while the squash roasts. You trim the ends off the sprouts, pulling off a bunch of the outer leaves for the soup, and then chop up the core. De-stem the chard and chop that finely. And finally slice the garlic, chilis and scallions - separating the white from the green.
- Cook the noodles: Perhaps the easiest part for a home cook to mess up is cooking the ramen noodles. The directions correctly state you only need 1 - 2 minutes. If you go longer, they'll get mushy, and the dish will be ruined. So don't walk away, and once drained, run the ramen under cold water to stop the cooking.
- Saute the Aromatics: The broth starts by adding the garlic, scallion whites and half the chili to a soup pot with a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Once slightly softened, add a cup of water, the tamari, red miso paste and stir to combine everything. Add another 1.5 cups of water and season with salt per the directions. Again, they do not tell you to add pepper; but I would do so.
- Season the Broth: Once boiling, you add the Brussels and the Swiss chard, cooking for about a minute. You want to soften, but allow them to maintain some bite to them. Kill the heat and add the juice of half the lime; cutting the remaining lime into wedges to allow people to add more to their own bowl.
- Serve: The ramen noodles are divided between two bowls, and then the broth and vegetables (including the squash) are added to the noodles. It's then up to you to garnish with a bit more chili, the green scallions and more lime. I ended up adding quite a bit of all three.
Taste
I gotta say, upon my first taste of this ramen, i was a bit torn. I didn't think there was enough broth, and I thought the flavor was a bit too mild.
But then I added a bit more of the garnish (smoked nori, chili pepper & lime) and I started in on the sprouts and butternut squash. The flavor quickly became more complex, nuanced and enjoyable. This is not a "smack you in the face" meal. It's more subtle at first, and took me a few minutes to fully appreciate.
I still would have liked a bit more broth. But the sweet squash pairs well with the hot chili. The chard and sprouts give a nice bitternesses and the smoked nori adds some complexity.
The notion of Fall comfort food comes screaming out at you. There's a ton of vegetables. And I felt really good about eating this recipe.
Purple Carrot's Fall Vegetable Ramen with Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash
Overall
I say give this Fall Vegetable Ramen a try.
It's one of those plant based meals, where even a meat eater isn't going to wonder where the meat is. Obviously you need to like vegetables, but the complexity from the Japenese flavors, chilis, lime, and nori, make this a much more interesting dish, than a pile of steamed veggies.
The directions were clear and it's simple to make.
If you do make it, please let me know how it goes and what you think!
Comments (511 )
Interesting read, can i share this on my blog?
kitchen remodel west chester
Sleep Quality: Quality sleep is vital for cognitive function, mood regulation, and physical health. Sleep disorders, like sleep apnea or insomnia, can have a significant impact on overall well-being. Practicing good sleep hygiene and addressing any sleep-related issues is essential for achieving restorative sleep healthases in united state
I liked most of the writers intent.
click here
Agreed pretty much with all of it, thanks for sharing.
pantry organization palm beach county
Effective communication with your technician is key. If you experience any discomfort during the treatment, let them know immediately so that adjustments can be made to ensure your safety and comfort. click here
Good morning, may be seriously is off of concept yet , no matter what, i have already been hunting within your web sites as well as aesthetics absolutely surely elegant. I am just creating a fresh, new journal as battling to get bode well, each i do get your hands on a specific thing the mess it up. The ways fast seemed to be to in which in order to your site? Could actually another person as i am lacking discover exercise, while use parents redesign sheets devoid of having endangering everything aquatic treadmill? frozen yogurt
It's essential not to wax or pluck the hair in the treatment area before your laser session. Shaving the area the day before your appointment is usually recommended to ensure the laser targets the hair follicles effectively. <a href="https://healthases.com/avoiding-laser-hair-removal-burns-tips-and-remedi...">pink lemon hair</a>
Avoid swimming in chlorine pools for a few days after treatment. Chlorine can irritate the skin, and the treated area may be more susceptible to discomfort and burns.pink lemon hair
Prioritize sun protection both before and after your laser hair removal sessions. Sunscreen is your friend, especially in the days following treatment when your skin may be more vulnerable to UV damage. organique hair
Delve into the world of Stoned Ape Chocolate, a modern interpretation of an age-old tradition. This article sheds light on the history of using psychedelics in various cultures and how contemporary enthusiasts are embracing the synergy of chocolate and psilocybin. Explore the art of crafting Stoned Ape Chocolate and its role in the ongoing renaissance of psychedelics, where self-discovery, healing, and personal growth take center stage. stoned ape mushroom chocolates
Label Clearly: Use clear and descriptive labels on each box. Include the contents and the room it belongs to. This will help you and your movers know where each box should go in your new home.When it's time to load and unload your cartons, follow these guidelines קרטון לכל מטרה
jeopardize safety, void insurance, and damage one's reputation. To ensure a safe and responsible driving experience, it is essential to go through the proper channels and obtain a legitimate driver's license. Remember, the road to responsible and lawful driving begins with doing things the right way. IRISH FAKE DRIVING LICENCE
jeopardize safety, void insurance, and damage one's reputation. To ensure a safe and responsible driving experience, it is essential to go through the proper channels and obtain a legitimate driver's license. Remember, the road to responsible and lawful driving begins with doing things the right way. IRISH FAKE DRIVING LICENCE
Very interesting, thanks for sharing.
virtual organizing west palm beach
Ignite the flames of inspiration within your mind and plunge fearlessly into an extraordinary escapade unlike any other. fireboy and watergirl
Skin health is not just about maintaining a youthful appearance; it is a reflection of your overall well-being. Healthy skin is an essential part of our immune system, serving as a protective barrier against external pathogens, regulating body temperature, and preventing excess water loss. The significance of skin health can be summarized in the following ways: skin care gorgeous in grey
Temperature Regulation: Skin helps regulate body temperature by controlling perspiration and blood flow.Detoxification: The skin aids in the removal of waste products and toxins from the body through sweat.Emotional and Psychological Well-being: Healthy skin can boost self-esteem, confidence, and emotional well-being. Skin problems can sometimes lead to psychological distress. my website
Maximize your by how a large amount of gear are employed internationally and will often impart numerous memory using that your is also fighting that is a result from our team rrnside the twenty first centuries. daily deal livingsocial discount baltimore washington xsignal
Can I simply say what a aid to seek out somebody who really knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know find out how to convey a difficulty to gentle and make it important. More individuals need to learn this and perceive this side of the story. I cant imagine youre no more fashionable since you undoubtedly have the gift. instagram panel
Outlook.com also prioritized user security and privacy, offering robust security features such as two-factor authentication, advanced spam filtering, and encryption. These features helped users feel more confident in the safety of their communications, a critical concern in the digital age. <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/hotmailcom-emails/hotmail-login">hotmail login</a>
I genuinely enjoy your web page, however I’m having a difficulty: anytime I load one of your post in Safari, the right of the webpage is screwed — it is strange. May I mail you a screenshot? Anyways, continue your good job; I truly appreciate reading you. buying anavar
I genuinely enjoy your web page, however I’m having a difficulty: anytime I load one of your post in Safari, the right of the webpage is screwed — it is strange. May I mail you a screenshot? Anyways, continue your good job; I truly appreciate reading you. Amirdrassil Heroic Boost
I really like reading through and I think this website got some genuinely utilitarian stuff on it! . 릴게임야마토
Perencana atau Kalender: Pelatih membutuhkan cara visual untuk melacak tanggal penting, sesi pelatihan, dan permainan.Notepads and Pena: Untuk mencatat catatan cepat, ide, atau pengingat selama pertemuan dan panggilan telepon.kantorbola99
During the construction phase, structural engineers are actively involved in overseeing the process to ensure that the project adheres to the approved design and safety standards. They work closely with contractors and construction workers to address any issues that may arise Structural Engineering Company
very good post, i definitely love this excellent website, keep on it argo4d
Selecting the right selling option depends on your specific needs and preferences. used cars for sale direct from owner in uaeIf you're looking for a quick and straightforward transaction, "We Buy Any Car" services are an excellent choice.
A treatment plan for behavioral health disorder may be a combination of the multiple therapies, the most important of which would be group therapy. Encouragement and support groups provide personal therapy that helps the patient understand themselves and their goals better. Group therapy also provides patients with contacts of others who have or are facing similar problems. Interacting with such persons helps the patient realize that they are not alone. It also provides them with the required moral support to take care of themselves and seek and continue treatment. However, the customized treatment programs require an effort from multiple types of professionals. https://enhancedlivingmarketplace.myshopify.com/
I wish to show thanks to you just for rescuing me from this type of incident. Because of scouting throughout the world wide web and seeing concepts which were not powerful, I assumed my life was done. Being alive without the presence of approaches to the issues you’ve sorted out by means of this report is a serious case, and the ones which may have adversely affected my career if I hadn’t come across your blog. Your personal skills and kindness in maneuvering the whole thing was important. I don’t know what I would have done if I had not come across such a thing like this. I can also now relish my future. Thanks so much for your specialized and results-oriented guide. I won’t hesitate to refer your web page to any person who would need support about this subject matter. https://blogotepeque.com/
Slot machines have a long and storied history, dating back to the late 19th century. In their early days, these mechanical devices featured simple three-reel designs with a limited number of symbols. Today, online slot games have evolved into a digital wonderland of creativity, innovation, and entertainment. slot online
To use the no cost Worlds Best graphic responses: Duplicate the HTML code from below the graphic picture and paste the code in your blog etc asic miner
GPS is really a heaven sent gadget, you can always pinpoint your exact location wherever you are. smm panel
Cartons, those familiar paper-based containers, are a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, used for packaging a wide array of products, ייצור קרטוני from food and medicines to electronics and medical supplies.
Carton manufacturing is an essential industry that serves diverse needs across multiple sectors. These unassuming containers are not just boxes but integral components of our daily lives./קרטונים בקליק Their production involves intricate processes and technologies that ensure the quality and reliability of the final products.
Yay google is my king helped me to find this great web site ! . 英文補習
kantor bola Selamat datang di kantorbola77 , link alternatif resmi dari situs kantorbola . Mainkan taruhan judi bola , judi live , judi slot dan togel . Daftar di kantorbola77 dapatkan ID VIP dengan RTP 98% , dijamin mudah menang di situs kantor bola .
I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site? link bandarsbo2
Taruhan sepak bola online telah berkembang pesat selama dekade terakhir, didorong oleh kenyamanan dan aksesibilitas yang ditawarkan oleh sportsbook berbasis internet. Dengan kemampuan untuk menempatkan taruhan kantorbola99
kantorbola77
Selamat datang di kantorbola77 , link alternatif resmi dari situs kantorbola . Mainkan taruhan judi bola , judi live casino , judi slot dan togel . Daftar di kantorbola77 dapatkan ID VIP dengan RTP 98% , dijamin mudah menang di situs kantor bola .
Kantorbola88 , situs slot online gacor terbaik 2023 . Mainkan game slot online dengan RTP 98% , tersedia juga bonus deposit harian kantorbola .
kantor bola
One of the most remarkable aspects of UGG products is the dedication to quality and craftsmanship. The UGG Store showcases this commitment, <a href="https://uggstore.co.il/">ugg ישראל</a> offering customers the chance to inspect the quality of the materials and construction up close. UGG products are known for their durability, ensuring that customers can enjoy their cozy footwear for many seasons to come.
BR sells their products below five systems with identify of ice cream, cakes, sundaes, beverages and prepacks. They have other promotional plans individually or as subprogram of any other software programs. Ice Cream Best Bakery In New york
I agree using your thoughts here and I love your blog! I’ve bookmarked it so that I will return & read more sometime soon. Ice Cream Bakeries In Wisconsin
In the realm of retail, the UGG Store stands out as an embodiment of comfort, luxury, and style. From its inception to its current global presence, the UGG brand has continuously redefined the way we perceive and experience footwear. מגפי ugg This article will delve deeper into the essence of the UGG Store, focusing on its evolution, unique offerings, and the allure that keeps customers coming back.
I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site? koplo77
Spot on with this write-up, I really assume this website needs much more consideration. I’ll probably be once more to read far more, thanks for that info. acim
ufa789 เว็บใหญ่ มั่นใจ ปลอดภัยทุกการเดิมพัน สล็อตPG วอเลท ระบบใหม่ได้มาตรฐานที่สุด มั่งคั่ง มั่นคง ปลอดภัย
Today, UGG is not merely a footwear brand but a cultural icon. Its product line has expanded far beyond the classic sheepskin boots. [url=https://uggstore.co.il/]מגפי ugg עודפים[/url] From cozy slippers and casual shoes to sandals, sneakers, and even clothing, UGG has diversified its offerings while maintaining its commitment to quality and comfort.
Today, UGG is not merely a footwear brand but a cultural icon. Its product line has expanded far beyond the classic sheepskin boots. מגפי ugg עודפים From cozy slippers and casual shoes to sandals, sneakers, and even clothing, UGG has diversified its offerings while maintaining its commitment to quality and comfort.
herbal supplementation is the best because i love organic supplements and herbal is organic.. atlas pro ontv