This is barely a recipe and entirely a 1am survival mechanism. Marmite melted into butter makes a glossy, intensely savoury sauce that coats noodles like a much fancier dish. You either trust me or you don’t.
Serves 1 (hungry).
Ingredients
- 1 portion of spaghetti or instant noodles
- 30 g butter
- 1 heaped tsp Marmite (or Vegemite)
- a splash of the starchy cooking water
- black pepper
- optional: a soft-boiled egg, spring onion, chilli oil
Method
- Cook the noodles in well-salted water. Save a mug of the water before draining.
- In the warm empty pan, melt the butter, then stir in the Marmite until it dissolves into a dark, glossy sauce.
- Add a splash of the noodle water and swirl until it loosens into a silky emulsion.
- Toss the drained noodles through until every strand is coated.
- Crack over black pepper. Add the egg, spring onion or chilli oil if you’re feeling civilised.
Notes
- Marmite is salty enough — taste before adding any.
- The starchy water is what makes the sauce cling. Don’t skip it.