Maggi Noodle Soup: A dedication to the 2 – minute Noodles

As Nestle “Maggi Noodles” celebrates its 25 years of association with India, I do feel nostalgic. The “2 minute” noodles were introduced in India in the early 80’s, and Nestle had really tried hard to sell it to the Indian Market. They realized it would be easier to please the children, rather than their parents. I remember schemes like getting a toy car (Zoomie!) if you buy 10 packs together, or being part of Maggi Clubs if you could send 3 empty wrappers. We even had the Nestle folks in school, distributing hot noodles to the children (for free)!
And I must say that they were quite successful in making an impact. Our generation (and the ones after ours) definitely associates with the product – instant, for the bachelors, a meal when you are in no mood to cook are phrases which are linked with it. Statements like “I – cannot – cook – anything –except – tea – and – Maggi” have been heard quite often.


My memories with Maggi are so many. Sitting with friends on the terrace during winters, with plates of steaming Maggi, and hot cups of coffee is by far the favorite.
Another is in the early 90’s, when my brother and I were going thru my Mom’s recipe collection and we found this old pamphlet which had been distributed by Maggi at some point of time – it had recipes you could prepare using the noodles. The pamphlet was surely an old one because it featured flavors which had long been discontinued – “Capsica” and “Sweet and Sour”. It had one recipe which we tried and it became an instant favorite. It was the Maggi Noodle Soup using the “Masala Tastemaker”.
I still make it, even after so many years, and so does my brother. Though my brother claims that I have forgotten the “original version”, it still tastes yummy!

Ingredients (Serves 2):
1 packet Maggi Noodles with Masala Tastemaker
One small onion, sliced
One medium tomato, chopped roughly
A handful of spring onion greens, chopped
2 tsp oil
3 cups water
Salt to taste

Method:
- Heat oil in a pan. Add the onions and sauté till translucent
- Add the tomatoes and stir fry till they are cooked, and the oil begins to separate
- Add the spring onions and cook for another minute
- Add the water and the tastemaker, and bring to a boil
- Add the noodles, and cook till they are soft
- Adjust salt to taste
- Serve hot!


This recipe also goes to the Soup 'N' Juice Event, hosted by Sireesha.