"Magic Seeds" Make Noodles Change Color • Purple Pasta Dish • color-changing noodles

Ingredients

• 200 g Rice Noodles (dry, broken into 2‑inch pieces)
• 200 g Bean Thread Noodles (also called glass noodles, dry)
• 1/2 small head Red Cabbage (shredded)
• 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice Powder (acidic component, provides pink color with base)
• 2 Tbsp Baking Soda (basic component, turns pink to yellow)
• 2 Tbsp Sesame Seeds (adds texture and helps distribute powders)
• 4 cup Water (for boiling cabbage and soaking noodles)
• 1 tsp Salt (for boiling noodles)

Instructions

1. Make Red Cabbage Juice

   Shred the red cabbage, place it in a large pot with 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, then simmer 10 minutes until the water turns deep purple. Drain through a fine mesh sieve, reserving the liquid. Let the juice cool to room temperature.

   Time: PT20M

   Temperature: Boiling

2. Prepare Acid and Base Powders

   In a small mixing bowl combine 2 Tbsp sesame seeds with 2 Tbsp lemon juice powder (acid). In a separate bowl combine 2 Tbsp sesame seeds with 2 Tbsp baking soda (base). Stir each mixture until evenly coated.

   Time: PT5M

3. Soak the Noodles

   Place the rice noodles and bean thread noodles in a bowl, cover with warm water, add 1 tsp salt, and let sit 5 minutes until softened but still firm.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Warm

4. Arrange Noodles in Tray

   Drain the noodles and spread them evenly in the egg‑carton tray (or rectangular tray). Drizzle the cooled red cabbage juice over the noodles until just covered.

   Time: PT5M

5. Add Color‑Changing Powders

   Using a small spoon, sprinkle the acid‑sesame mixture in one area and the base‑sesame mixture in another, creating a gradient or speckled pattern. The powders will react with the cabbage juice when heated.

   Time: PT5M

6. Microwave to Set Colors

   Cover the tray with a microwave‑safe lid or parchment paper and microwave on high for 5 minutes. The heat activates the acid‑base reaction, turning pink spots to yellow and green areas to brighter hues.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: High (microwave)

7. Rest and Serve

   Let the noodles rest for 5 minutes to allow colors to fully develop. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy the surprise of changing colors at the table.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

250

Protein

5 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

5 g

Fiber

3 g