Life

Unicorn Update: There Are Sparkly Noodles Now

by Lily Feinn

Sparkly unicorn powers are usually reserved for desserts and sweeter fare, but for those wishing to taste the rainbow there's a savory option that is positively magic. The Internet is going nuts for a glorious unicorn noodle dish developed by food blogger A.J. of the Indigo Kitchen — and for very good reason. These healthful noodles prove that the food trend involving rainbow pastels, glitter, and all things beautiful is definitely here to stay. For those looking to indulge in a meal that would make the mythical horned creature proud, these versatile noodles (surprisingly sugar and artificial dye free) will compliment most recipes, as well as match the hues of your unicorn latte and cupcakes. The only problem with them? Whipping up a batch is so quick, easy, and fun that it may become an obsession.

The recipe, titled "Quick and Simple Unicorn Noodles," calls for three simple ingredients available at any grocery store: clear or white noodles, purple cabbage, and the juice of a lime or lemon. The best part of the recipe? You don't have to be a whiz in the kitchen to make these magic noodles — it's as simple as boiling water.

Behold, the glory of the magic noodles:

To get started, pop the purple cabbage in a pot with some water and let it heat on the stove for five minutes. Once time is up, turn off the heat and add your noodles (A.J. recommends using glass noodles to get a shimmery effect). Allow the noodles to soak in the cabbage water for five to ten minutes, until the desired color is achieved. The amount of water you use to cook the cabbage and the soaking time of the noodles will determine the color your unicorn mane will turn. Noodles cooked in a pot filled half-way with water will turn a mix of pink and purple, whereas less water will result in a bright shade of electric blue.

Once the noodles are removed from the pot and placed in a bowl, it's showtime! Grab your citrus juice and drizzle it over the noodles. Wherever the acid hits, the noodles will turn bright pink like magic — creating the unicorn effect! The key pigment in purple cabbage changes colors in reaction to the addition of acid and alkaline, so with the right treatment, you can turn these noodles blue, green, pink, or purple. The unicorn food trend is actually incorporating natural food dyes to make some pretty beautiful treats (ahem, unicorn toast), and we can't wait to see what they come up with next!

Play around with this food chemistry, and your Instagram Feed will thank you.

The latest edition to the fantastical creature's colorful comestibles will be your new favorite Springtime meal. To round out the dish, A.J. suggests serving the noodle alongside a curry or with kimchi for a kick of flavor. These unicorn noodles are not only heathy, but vegan and gluten-free, so feel free to eat up!