From our kitchen to yours

Julia Sati

Asian flavors have a broad appeal and wide application. “Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce” is a favorite Asian comfort food and a great alternative to macaroni and cheese whenever you want a fast, nutritious and flavorful meal. You can make up a batch of sauce, then chill and date it. It will hold safely refrigerated for up to two weeks. For a healthy vegetable dipping sauce, thin the sauce with a little water and serve with raw or lightly steamed carrots, pea pods and broccoli florets.Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce
2 C matchstick or small cut vegetables
1/4 C water
1 C tofu, cubed or 1 C pulled cooked chicken (optional)
3 C cooked spaghetti or Asian-style noodles
2 C spicy peanut sauce (see below)
1/4 C sliced scallions
2 T chopped peanuts
2 T fresh cilantro, chopped

1) Add matchstick or small cut vegetables and water to a preheated saucepan or fry pan. Steam-fry the vegetables on high heat for 1-2 minutes, until just tender.
2) Add the prepared peanut sauce, tofu or chicken (optional) and noodles. Cook until hot.
3) Transfer to serving plate. Top with chopped scallions, peanuts and cilantro.

Spicy Peanut Sauce
2 T garlic, minced
2 T fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1/4 C toasted sesame oil
2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 C soy sauce
2 C water
1 and 1/4 C crunchy peanut butter
1/4 C brown sugar
1/4 C lime juice

1) Heat sesame oil in heavy-bottomed sauce pan. Add garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant.
2) Add the red pepper flakes, soy sauce and water. Bring to a simmer.
3) Stir in the peanut butter and brown sugar, mixing well. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. The consistency should be thick but pourable. Add more water as needed.
4) Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice. Use immediately, or cool and store refrigerated.