Soba with Toasted Sesame Seed Sauce --
.INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup sesame seeds
8 ounces dried soba noodles
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
5 green onions, chopped
3 cups broccoli florets
..DIRECTIONS
1.Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2.Pour the sesame seeds onto a rimmed baking sheet. Toast the seeds in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until they are a rich brown around the edges.
3.Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook them for 5 to 6 minutes, or until they are just tender. Drain them, rinse them well with cold water, and drain them again.
4.In a large mixing bowl, mix together the vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil and green onions. Add the noodles, and the toasted sesame seeds. Toss well, then stir in the broccoli. Let the dish sit for 30 minutes at room temperature before serving.
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Oriental Cold Noodle Salad --
.INGREDIENTS
15 ounces dried soba noodles
1 1/2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1/3 cup soy sauce
juice from one lime
zest of one lime
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, or to taste (optional)
1 cup finely grated carrot
1/4 cup coarsely chopped salted peanuts
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
..DIRECTIONS
1.In a large pot, cook soba noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse noodles with cold water, and set aside.
2.Pour into a large bowl the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and lime juice. Mix in lime zest, brown sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes; stir until sugar dissolves. Toss in carrots, peanuts, and cilantro.
3.Cut noodles into 3-inch lengths. Stir into dressing mixture. Cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
4.Toss salad again before serving. If dry, splash with soy sauce and vinegar. Serve cold.
