Recipe: Heavenly Toasted Sesame Soba Noodles

This recipe really speaks for itself.  I know it'll be a hit with you and you are going to be singing my praises forevermore!  Well, actually, I got the recipe from a friend, so technically, you should be singing her praises. This is also a great recipe to make with kids--the original directions had them divided up into parents' jobs and kids' jobs:  kids don't boil noodles, but can help mix, stir, and even chop!

Love It!  That's a wish for you.  And an order.


Ingredients:
8-oz package buckwheat soba noodles
1 T freshly squeezed lime juice
3 T toasted sesame oil
2 T wheat-free tamari (or soy sauce)
2 T rice vinegar
1 T mirin
2 t pure maple syrup
crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
1 T minced fresh ginger
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 medium-sized carrot, diced
1 cup snap or snow peas, diced
1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and diced
2 scallions, sliced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 t sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Optional:  avocado slices, grilled organic chicken

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325.  Sprinkle raw sesame seeds in a thin layer on ungreased baking sheet (I used about 3 T of seeds for this recipe, but you can use more or less, depending on your taste).  When oven is preheated, put baking sheet in.  Watch seeds carefully--you want fragrant, golden-brown seeds.  This could take anywhere from 5-15 minutes, so you have to be sort of vigilant and check the seeds every minute or so.  They can burn very quickly.  Alternatively, you can toast them on the stove-top in a dry skillet if you prefer.*

In a medium saucepan, cook soba noodles, according to package directions.

While noodles are cooking, whisk the lime juice, toasted sesame oil, tamari, rice vinegar, mirin, maple syrup, red pepper flakes, and ginger in a small bowl.  (If you do not have mirin, you can use another sweet wine or wine plus a drop of stevia.)  Drain the noodles and run cold water over them.  Transfer to a large mixing bowl.  Fold the red pepper, carrots, peas, cucumbers, scallions, and cilantro into the noodles.  Add the dressing and mix well.  Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with sesame seeds.  Top with avocado or chicken, if using.

You can serve this warm or chilled--both are absolutely out of this world!

*Note:  Even though it might seem like toasting the sesame seeds is a lot of work for a little noodle dish, I am telling you it is worth it!  Don't buy pre-toasted sesame seeds, as their flavor is not as good, and the oil, which has already been released from the seeds will be old by the time it gets to you.  Freshly toasted seeds are hard to compete with.  Don't skip this step!!*