I used to make a lot of chicken pot pie-esque soups in years past, lots of potatoes and carrots, but lately my go-to is to sautee some onions, bell pepper, celery, carrot, zucchini and whatever else is handy, using sesame oil and a little chili oil, then add water and make packaged ramen noodles in the pot, discarding the powder packet and using soy sauce, oyster sauce and hoisin sauce, sometimes with chopped green onions, minced fresh ginger, garlic and/or crushed peanuts. At the end I throw in a little of whatever meat leftovers I already have, thinly sliced. Very flavorful, sort of a pho vibe, and has the homemade satisfaction.

I’ve also tried this with non-Asian flavors such as generic Cajun seasongs, cumin, paprika, garlic and chili powder. Ramen noodles are cheap and versatile.