The 10-Minute Meal That Saves Me

Many years ago, I read a quick interview with a chef. I don’t remember their name, or much else about the article, but one question stuck:
“What do you cook at the end of a long day?”

Their answer wasn’t romantic. It wasn’t seared anything or rustic sourdough or anything involving balsamic reduction. It was just:
“Something quick, easy, and nutritious.”

And maybe that’s when it started for me — my go-to comfort meal that now rescues me on those nights when energy is low, appetite is dull, and the world feels like a lot.

It’s not pretty.
It’s not trendy.
But it works.

Here’s how it goes:

• Grate one potato with a mandoline (watch your fingers — always).
• Add a pack of 2-minute noodles (discard the flavouring, you’re just here for the texture).
• Toss in about 500g of chicken or pork mince.
• Seasonal vegetables — whatever’s in the fridge that isn’t judging you.
• Fresh herbs and spices if you have them. If not, a bit of soy sauce and garlic does the trick.
• Cover everything with just enough chicken or vegetable stock to submerge it.

Then?
Just bring it to the boil.
No more than 10 minutes, and you’re done.

It’s refreshingly simple. Surprisingly tasty. The grated potato thickens the broth and gives it some body. The noodles soak up the flavour. The veg add colour and virtue. And the whole thing somehow tastes like you tried — even if you didn’t really.

I know people say comfort food is indulgent. Or nostalgic.
But for me?
Comfort is not having to think too hard.
Comfort is knowing I can feed myself — properly — without a recipe or a fuss.
Comfort is getting through the day and still managing to make something warm, sustaining, and adaptable.

Most nights, that’s plenty.