Let's be real, we might have automated away the manual labor of the past, but the sheer logistical chaos of modern day-to-day life is still an absolute endurance sport.

Between staring down back-to-back work deliverables, dragging ourselves to the gym, managing the demands of two-legged and four-legged companions, AND trying to protect whatever fraction of mental health we have left, cooking an elaborate, multi-step dinner is simply out of the question.

We will always, unreservedly, stand on the side of recipes that come together in less than ten minutes, with some help from trusty condiments and pantry staples. (Major bonus points for recipes that require zero-to-minimum chopping and pan-scrubbing—'cos we HATE pan-scrubbing.)

Which is why this recipe for a Cashew Miso Butter Mazemen that uses some of our favourite condiments and pantry staples from Brown Koji Boy and Urban Platter caught our eye. A brothless Japanese comfort noodle dish that a) takes exactly as long to make as it takes to boil a packet of instant ramen noodles, and b) basically involves tossing and mixing artisan ferments into a bowl with starchy hot noodle water and butter? 

YES, PLEASE.

CASHEW MISO BUTTER MAZEMAN
'Mazemen' (pronounced mah-ZAY-men or mah-ZEH-men), which literally means 'mixed noodles', is a noodle dish designed to be mixed before eating. Its defining characteristic is the intentional absence of soup, setting it apart from dishes such as ramen or soba. Flavor comes together when the diner mixes the savory sauce, aromatic oil, noodles, and toppings directly in the bowl. Without broth to dilute the experience, the texture of the noodles and the richness of the sauce and oil are delivered straight to the palate. / Source: What is Mazeman? An expert guide to Japan's soupless Ramen

Ingredients:

2 tbsp Cashew Miso

2 tbsp Butter

1 tbsp Miso Chilli Oil (basically any chilli oil with sediment)

3 cloves Garlic

1 tbsp Tomato Tamari

1/2 tsp Onion Powder

1 packet Noodles of your choice (we'd suggest Udon)

1 tsp Toasted Sesame Oil

Fresh Spring Onions (for garnishing)

Method:

Step 1: Cook noodles of your choice according to package instructions.

Step 2: Combine the cashew miso, butter, miso chilli oil, garlic, tomato tamari, and onion powder in a serving bowl along with a splash of hot, starchy noodle water, whisking until smooth and emulsified.

Step 3: Once your noodles are cooked, drain them and do a quick, gentle sauté of the noodles directly with the sauce to thoroughly coat each strand.

Step 4: Finish everything off with a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil and garnish generously with fresh spring onions. 

Step 5: Serve hot and enjoy with a side of an episode of your current drama fix.

Rs.550 / BROWN KOJI BOY Cashew Miso A smooth, slightly sweet, savoury, creamy, nutty, and umami miso that sits somewhere between a traditional miso and a rich nut butter. We love how versatile this soy-free cashew miso is! Made from lightly roasted cashews and chickpeas fermented with koji, it works in both desserts and savoury dishes. Use it as a spread (on toast or mixed into smoothie bowls), a base (in vegan butter masala or creamy sauces), or a flavour enhancer (add to noodles or dressings as a tahini alternative, or blend into brownies, caramel, or desserts!). (Psst! Shop Brown Koji Boy via Souk for 10% off!) Miso Chilli Oil A layered, aromatic and savoury chilli oil that delivers more than just spice in every spoon. This miso chilli oil blends Kashmiri and Teja chillies with a complex backing of warm spices (star anise, cinnamon, and black cardamom) and Tirphal (Indian Sichuan pepper) for a mild-to-medium, highly aromatic heat. We think it's perfect as a dip, or for generously drizzling over eggs, dumplings, noodles, or rice. (Psst! Shop Brown Koji Boy via Souk for 10% off!) Rs.475 / BROWN KOJI BOY Rs.750 / BROWN KOJI BOY Tomato Tamari A light, savoury, gently tangy, subtly smoky fermented sauce layered with tomato for brightness, depth and natural acidity. Tomatoes bring a sharp, savoury complexity to this soy-free tamari that's perfect for drizzling over watermelon or mixing into  salad dressings, marinades, light sauces or vinaigrettes. (Psst! Shop Brown Koji Boy via Souk for 10% off!) Udon Noodles Udon noodles are a great pantry staple to stock up on for when you need thick, soft, chewy noodles to add to a hearty soup, a quick stir-fry, or a cold noodle salad. They especially work for a Mazeman as they are designed to hold onto thick sauces and minced toppings without going soggy. (We love Urban Platter for its knack for delivering kitchen staples that effortlessly bridge the gap between global food trends and daily home cooking. Shop via Souk links to get 10% off on Urban Platter's in-house range of products!) Rs.140 / URBAN PLATTER Rs.500 / URBAN PLATTER  Toasted Sesame Oil Traditionally known as Chamgireum, toasted sesame oil is a staple ingredient in Korean cuisine. Sourced and pressed locally in Maharashtra, this zero-additive oil has high concentrations of minerals and antioxidants—which gives it a high smoke point and makes it perfect for drizzling over noodles, stir-fries, or fried rice right before serving for a distinct Asian flavour. (We love Urban Platter for its knack for delivering kitchen staples that effortlessly bridge the gap between global food trends and daily home cooking. Shop via Souk links to get 10% off on Urban Platter's in-house range of products!)