Sunday, January 27, 2013

Sesame Peanut Noodles


Desert Hot Springs, CA

Sesame Peanut Noodles


I stopped using a microwave maybe 15 years ago.  I actually use my RV microwave as a storage cabinet.  I'll take extra storage over soft, soggy vegetables any day!  The more alive/raw your food is (I'm talking about plants here), in it's most natural state, the better tasting and better for you it is.  Cooking your veggies in a microwave kills all of their nutritional value as well as flavor.  That goes for boiling your vegetables as too, with some exceptions, such as potatoes.  I don't care what the package says!  If they can be eaten raw, they don't need to be boiled or nuked.  

Here's a few tips on cooking (not over-cooking) the best tasting and most nutritious veggies:

For leafy greens, such as spinach or kale:  Start fresh.  Avoid buying frozen greens, if you can.  If you don't want to eat them raw, cook only until they just wilt.  Sometimes this means less than a minute.   If they're going in a soup, you might want to even put a handful of them raw, in the bowl.  Ladle the cooked soup over them.  Stir until they wilt.  

For delicious raw kale:  Remove the vein and massage the leafy part until it's softer and appears darker and  somewhat wilted.  This takes away the bitterness.

For asparagus, brussel sprouts, carrots, broccoli, green beans:  Again if not eating raw, sauté or roast in the oven, but test for doneness when they still have they're most vibrant color.  If the vegetables pale, they are over-cooked.  Never boil.

For all veggies:   Don't be afraid to season!  A little salt, pepper, and garlic powder is my favorite combination, for most vegetable dishes.


This is a very fast and easy dish that is a staple for us.  Because it is served cold, it is a great dish to take to work or on the go, for lunch.  Combining raw and cooked ingredients, it is an excellent balance of flavors and raw nutrients for your body.  

gluten free, vegan, oil free, cold noodles with sesame peanut sauce, tips on cooking vegetables, raw vegetables
Sesame Peanut Noodles are great to take on the go, because they are served cold.


Sesame Peanut Noodles
makes 4 servings
(vegan, *gluten free variation, oil free)

1 lb spaghetti or *rice noodles (for gluten free)
½ cup natural peanut butter (no additives)
¼ cup water
2 tbsp brown rice vinegar
juice & zest of ½ a lime
1/8 cup onion, chopped or 2 scallions, chopped
1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled & grated
1 tbsp sriracha sauce
1 tbsp unrefined sugar
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
½ cup peanuts
½ of a cucumber, cut in 2" long strips
1 carrot, julienned
1 tbsp sesame seeds

For the sauce:
In a food processor, process peanut butter, liquid aminos, water, vinegar, lime juice and zest, onion, ginger, sriracha, sugar, and red pepper flakes.

Cook noodles according to package instructions.  Once tender, drain and rinse with cold water until completely cool.  Toss with sauce until fully coated.  Garnish with carrot, cucumber, sesame seeds, and peanuts.  Serve cold.

If you don't want the extra kick from the sriracha sauce,  replace sriracha with another tbsp unrefined sugar.

4 comments:

  1. What do you look for in vegan spaghetti? I make my own pasta, but I use eggs. I would love to hear what you do for that?

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the great question! As far as store bought pasta, most are naturally vegan. I check the ingredients though. Usually underneath the list of ingredients there will be allergen information. This will always tell you if the product contains eggs, milk, soy, or wheat ingredients. I just look for eggs and dairy here to be sure.

      Homemade pasta can easily be made with semolina flour, water, and sometimes salt. No eggs necessary! I'd go with an approximate ratio of 1:4 (water:semolina flour). Try it and let me know what you think!

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  2. I will try it soon. Why semolina flour as opposed to other flours?

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  3. Semolina is a high protein flour made from Durum wheat. Great in pastas and breads. It makes for a firmer, more toothsome pasta texture, and in my opinion a higher quality flavor than other flours.

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