There are days when the only thing that can make everything seem better is a steaming hot bowl of instant noodles. And, of course, the convenience of making a hot, soul-satisfying meal cannot be discounted. But instant noodles are amazingly versatile and can lend themselves to a variety of recipes, even desserts! Don’t believe us? Here are some easy options to please your taste buds.

Noodle Chinese bhel

Dice or julienne capsicums, onions and carrots. Add some roughly mashed boiled peas and potatoes. Mix well with soy sauce, vinegar, red and green chilli sauce. Fry a packet of instant noodles, crush them and mix well. Serve immediately.

Noodle stir fry

Cook the noodles as suggested. Heat oil in a skillet and sauté onions, garlic, bell peppers, cauliflower, carrots (mix and match the vegetables of your choice) for two minutes on high heat. Mix soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and crushed garlic and add to the vegetables. Slice a couple of hard-boiled eggs, boiled chicken or paneer if you want to add some protein. Add the cooked noodles and mix well. Garnish with chopped spring onions and/or toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Noodle pakora

Cook the noodles as instructed. Add chopped onions, green chillies, and coriander leaves, any spices of your choice and mix well. Dip in besan batter and deep fry. Yum!

Noodles tawa pizza

Cook the noodles as instructed. Place a tawa on low heat and spread the cooked noodles like you would spread a dosa. Cook on low heat until the bottom crisps; turn over carefully and crisp the other side as well. Spread pizza sauce over the noodle ‘base’ and then add your choice of toppings. Top with grated cheese, cover and cook on low heat until the cheese melts. Voila! Noodle pizza is ready!

Indian-style noodle bhel

Crush your instant noodles and dry roast on a pan until light golden brown. Add boiled potatoes, chopped onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves. Add some lime juice and the spices packet from the instant noodles. Mix well. Top with some more coriander leaves and some crushed roasted peanuts.

Noodle salad

Grate cabbage and carrots. Chop a few spring onions and tomatoes. Crush the instant noodles and dry roast them. Toss together with chopped coriander leaves, lemon juice (or salad dressing of your choice) and the spice packet from the noodles.

Apple noodle crumble

You didn’t think we would forget dessert, did you? Toss chopped apples, cinnamon powder, brown sugar, chopped walnuts, and crushed noodles. Dot with butter and bake until golden and crisp.

What are your favourite instant noodle hacks? Tell us in the comments below.