Nourish PA: Sesame Peanut Noodles with Pickled Onions

Peanut sauce

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons light-colored vinegar, like rice wine, white wine, champagne, distilled white or apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
• 2-3 drops sesame oil (optional)
• 1-2 teaspoons Hoisin sauce
• 2 teaspoons vegetable, canola or olive oil

Method

1. Prepare the dressing by mixing all ingredients, except for the oil, to form a paste.
2. Whisk in water, one teaspoon at a time, until sauce is thick but pourable. Then, whisk in the oil until the sauce is smooth and emulsified.

Noodles and Assembly

Ingredients

• 2 packs (1 pound) dry udon noodles
• 1 tablespoon vegetable, canola or olive oil
• Prepared peanut sauce
• Pickled red onions, to taste
• Sesame seeds, to taste
• Herbs or vegetables of choice

Method

1. To cook the noodles, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring to separate them at the beginning.
2. While waiting, clear any dishes from the sink and place a colander or pasta strainer under the faucet. Once fully cooked, strain noodles into the colander and run under cold water, gently agitating the noodles until they are cool. Allow to drain in colander for 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Pour a small amount (no more than a tablespoon) of oil onto the noodles and work the noodles gently. You want to coat the noodles in oil without breaking them.
4. In a large bowl, mix the noodles with the dressing until thoroughly coated. Transfer to the serving bowl and top with sesame seeds, pickled onions and vegetables of choice.