04-9-2008 - Recipe - Sesame Peanut Noodles

My mood while writing this blog: Ok

From Everyday Food - serves 8

Ingredients

Coarse salt
1 pound thin spaghetti or other noodle - i prefer japanese buckwheat noodles (soba)
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, preferably natural
1 to 2 garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 English cucumber, peeled and halved lengthwise
2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded

Directions
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain, and transfer to a large bowl.
Meanwhile, make peanut sauce: In a blender or food processor, blend peanut butter, garlic, pepper flakes, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth.
Cut cucumber crosswise into thirds; cut each piece lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices. Stack slices; cut lengthwise into very thin strips. Transfer pasta to a large bowl; toss with sauce, cucumber, and carrots. Serve at room temperature.

I've also added julienned red bell pepper.