Spicy Sesame Noodles with Vegetables

This is a great summer dish. Add baked tofu, hard boiled eggs or chicken to make a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound long pasta (linguine) or Asian noodles such as udon
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter or tahini
• 1 tablespoon lime juice or wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons hot chili oil
• 1 clove minced fresh garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
• Hot pepper flakes to taste
• 1 regular cucumber, cut in half lengthwise, seeded
• 1-2 carrots
• 1 piece zucchini (about 4-6 ounces)
• Cilantro for garnish

Directions

Cook the pasta as directed until it is al dente, then drain. Toss with the sesame oil. In a small bowl, combine the next seven ingredients with wire whisk or chopsticks. Whisk until smooth. Add hot pepper flakes to your preferred spiciness. Grate the cucumber, carrot and zucchini lengthwise so that you get long strands of the vegetables. Toss the pasta, sauce and vegetables together and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Submitted by Lorraine Glazar, Tucson CSA