Spicy Soba Noodle Soup

This is really pretty easy.  But the flavors are huge.

Start with some ground meat (this is dark turkey, but pork would work very well), and add garlic, ginger, black pepper, red pepper flakes (my aunt got me this stuff from Utica called, you guessed it, "Utica Red Pepper", and it seems to be red pepper flakes with all the seeds removed.  It's interesting), and cumin.  Combine well.



Sear/fry the mixture in a pot until browned and crumbly.  Add a combination of mushroom and chicken stock (one for depth, one for body), bring to a boil, and let simmer for 10 minutes, so the spices in the meat work into the liquid.





Add chopped beet greens (mustard greens would work, too.  Or anything similar), scallions, soy sauce, fish sauce, lemon juice, and lime juice.  Simmer another 3 to 4 minutes, until the leaves are just tender.  Try not to overcook them.





Meanwhile, cook some soba noodles according to the package (boiling water for X minutes).  These were made with mugwort, which explains the color.  I dunno.  Sounded interesting when I bought it.


To plate, put some noodles in the bottom of a bowl, spoon soup on top, and finish with cilantro and more scallions.