Easy Sesame Noodles with Spring Veggies

Step 1

Cook the noodles. Set a large pot of water over high heat. I used a 3 quart pot (which is annoyingly small for long noodles, actually, but it gets the job done if you shove them in and stir a lot.) Season the water with 2 tablespoons kosher salt; it should taste like the ocean.

Step 2

When the water boils, add 1 pound spaghetti noodles, or any kind of noodle. Stir occasionally so they don't stick. Set a timer for 5 minutes.

Step 3

Meanwhile, prep your asparagus if you're using it. (Every vegetable in this recipe is optional and interchangeable.) Snap off the wood ends. Chop into bite size pieces. You need about 1 cup chopped asparagus.

Step 4

After 5 minutes, add the chopped asparagus to the pot with the noodles and continue to boil for about 2 minutes.

Step 5

When the noodles are al dente, (about 7-8 minute total boil time, seriously watch it, don't let them get all soft! It's okay if you feel like your asparagus is still too crisp. It's not.) Remove the pot from the heat and strain through a colander set in the sink. Rinse the pasta and asparagus with cold water for a minute or so. Toss the noodles around with your hands to 1)cool everything off, 2)stop the cooking process, and 3)remove starch (which keeps our sauce smoother). Keep going until your noodles are cold.

Step 6

Shake the colander to get out as much water as you can, then transfer to a large serving bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons sesame oil and toss to coat all the noodles. Set aside.

Step 7

Make the sauce. In a blender, add all the ingredients listed for the sauce: 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1/4 cup peanut butter, 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 knob ginger, 3 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce, a generous handful of cilantro sprigs, and start with 1 tablespoon water. Blend for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is completely smooth. Add another tablespoon or two of water if it seems too thick.

Step 8

Prep veggies. What vegetables you include in this meal are entirely up to you, and you can leave them out entirely if you want. I say the more veggies the better. I've included a list of no-cook vegetables that I think would be delicious. For the meal I made in the photos, here's what to do:

Step 9

Chop the ends off the English cucumber. Slice in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out the centers, the watery seedy part. See photos. Then slice each halve in half again lengthwise, then chop into bite size pieces. Add to the bowl of noodles.

Step 10

Slice the red bell pepper (see photos for slicing tips), then chop the slices into thirds. Add to the noodle bowl.

Step 11

Add 1 cup shredded carrots. If you need to shred them yourself, peel first, then shred on a box grater. You will need about 3 small carrots. Add to the noodle bowl.

Step 12

Chop about 1/2 cup green onions, I kept mine in a bunch and started from the green end, cutting on a bias. Add to the bowl.

Step 13

Chop about 1/3 cup cilantro and add to the bowl.

Step 14

Add all the sauce from the blender, and stir to coat all the noodles and vegetables. Tongs are handy here to get everything distributed.

Step 15

Dish the pasta and veggies into bowls or plates, and garnish with extra cilantro, green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Drizzle each serving with a little sesame oil. Dig in!