2
1 garlic clove, or 1 tsp bottled chopped garlic
1 tbsp minced ginger, or 2 1/2 tsp bottled chopped ginger
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
4 tsp dark sesame oil
1 1/2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 to 1/2 tsp hot red-chili flakes
1 bunch broccoli
1 carrot
1/2 300-g pkg soba noodles, or 1/4 375-g pkg whole wheat spaghettini
1/2 cup frozen green peas
Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Meanwhile, mince garlic and prepare ginger. Place in a large bowl. Stir in soy sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, honey, salt and chili flakes.
Cut large bite-size florets from broccoli. Peel stalks and slice diagonally into thin pieces. Peel, then thinly slice carrot into rounds. If using soba noodles, add to boiling water. Boil 2 minutes, then add florets, stalks and carrot. Boil until noodles are tender and veggies are brightly coloured and tender-crisp, 2 to 3 more minutes. Add peas to water during last minute of cooking. Drain into a colander. Rinse with cold water. Drain well. Pat broccoli dry with paper towels as florets absorb water. (If using spaghettini, cook 5 minutes before adding broccoli and carrot, then cook 2 to 3 more minutes. Add peas during last minute of cooking.)
Add hot pasta and vegetables to bowl with dressing. Stir until coated. Taste and add more soy sauce, if needed. Serve right away or at room temperature. Noodles will also keep well, covered and refrigerated, overnight. It's best to bring them to room temperature before serving. Taste and add more lemon juice, sesame oil or salt, if needed. Great with our Cedar-Planked Maple Salmon (also in the Recipe File).
Calories 190, Protein 9.2g, Carbohydrates 33.3g, Fat 4.1g, Fibre 4.4g, Sodium 748mg.
Soba are Japanese noodles made from buckwheat and wheat flour. They have a rich nutty flavour and chewy texture. Look for them in the Asian section of your supermarket. If you can't find them, use whole wheat spaghettini.