Sesame Noodles with Cucumbers

Ingredients


1 pound noodles

1 TBSP dark sesame oil

1garlic clove

½ medium cucumber

2 scallions

2 tsp black sesame seeds

3 TBSP Chinese sesame paste or tahini

2 TBSP natural peanut butter

3 TBSP rice vinegar

2 TBSP soy sauce

½ tsp salt

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles, stirring gently. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for about 4 minutes until barely tender.

Drain the noodles and transfer to a bowl of cold water to remove excess starch. Drain again and put the noodles in a medium bowl. Dress with ½ tsp of the sesame oil and set aside.

Mince the garlic, slice the cucumber into 3-inch strips and thinly slice the scallions.

Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes, stirring constantly until golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Combine the garlic, sesame paste, peanut butter, vinegar, the remaining 2 ½ tsp sesame seed oil and the soy sauce in a small bowl. Mix well, seasoning with the salt.

Pour the dressing over the noodles and mix well. Top with the scallions, cucumbers and sesame seeds.

Serves 4 and Light