I feel as though I should explain here that my daughter and I are pretty much obsessed with mermaids, unicorns, rainbows and glitter. So when 'science' week started, I just knew that we were going to have to make ourselves some magical color changing noodles!
Unlike most 'colored' noodles out there, we're coloring these naturally by way of a purple cabbage. This gives those rice noodles a beautiful all natural light purple color.
I should also explain here that this is a simple recipe. It's not 'gourmet' by any means. I mean... let's face it, they're basically garlic buttered noodles, but the magic of the color changing and the fun with these noodles are what make them stand out!
Kids and adults alike are going to love these noodles. You eat with your eyes long before you eat with your mouth, and everyone is going to be blown away with the color changing aspect. I loaded my noodles up with plenty of other fun tidbits too. ...Like edible flowers and some pretty pink and white beets that I got from a local farm. Cut out shapes of avocado, or other fun colored fruits would also be a fun addition!
The 'magic' happens when you squeeze the lemon juice over the noodles. The acid bleaches the purple color that the noodles turn during the cooking process with the cabbage, giving you an instant and fun 'color changing' noodle!
I love that this noodle dish is so easy to make that the kids can help, with adult supervision of course!
If you want to get the most intense color to your noodles, feel free to add in just a couple of drops of purple food coloring. They will still color change just so long as there's more purple cabbage color as compared to any food coloring.
NOTE: The longer the cabbage boils and the less water you boil, the more intense the natural color will end up being!
TheSkinnyFork.com Naturally colored rice noodles that are magically able to change color! The kids love to make, eat, and play with this fun unicorn inspired dish! Prep Time: 5 Minutes • Cook time: 15 Minutes
Servings: 4 • Serving Size: 1 Prepared Salad • Calories: 280 • Fat: 3 g • Saturated Fat: 2 g • Carb: 57 g • Fiber: 4 g • Protein: 6 g • Sugar: 6 g • Sodium: 142 mg
• 8 Oz. Rice Noodles
• Small Head Purple Cabbage, Quartered
• 1 Tbsp. Butter
• 1/4 Tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 Lemon, Cut into Wedges
• Optional 'Magical' Additions: Sprouts, Edible Flowers, Pink & White Beets, White Sesame Seeds, Etc.
Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water and the small head of purple cabbage to a boil. Place the rice noodles into the water and cook according to the package directions. Strain the noodles and toss with the 1 Tbsp. butter and 1/4 Tsp. garlic powder. Serve right away with any magical additions desired! Feel free to serve these noodles up with the cooked cabbage if you're kids are fans of it. To change the colors, simply squeeze the lemon juice over the noodles and watch the fun.
Step-by-Step Photos:
Nutritional Claims: Low Fat, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Egg Free, Peanut Free, Tree Nut Free, Soy Free, Fish Free, Shellfish Free, Pork Free, Red Meat Free, Crustacean Free, Celery Free, Mustard Free, Sesame Free, Lupine Free, Mollusk Free, Alcohol Free, No Sugar Added, Kosher
