Cold Sesame Noodles

Among my favorite food experiences are calls from my family for favorite recipes! The most recent call, a few days ago, was a request for  Sesame Noodles.  This can be a hearty dish, but, since you  serve it cold or room temperature, is great for summer dining. Enjoy!

Cold Sesame Noodles

Ingredients

·       8 ounces spaghetti

·       2 tablespoons sesame oil

·       1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root

·       1/3 cup peanut butter

·       1/4 cup soy sauce

·       1/4 cup hot water

·       2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

·       1 teaspoon white or brown sugar (optional)

·       1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

·       Chopped scallions or cucumber strips for garnish

·       Sesame seeds, plain or toasted

Directions

1.  Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water until done. Drain.

2.    While boiling, in a saucepan combine the sesame oil, the ginger, the peanut butter, soy sauce, the water, vinegar, sugar, and the red pepper flakes. 

3.    Simmer the mixture, stirring, until it is thickened and smooth.

4.    Let the mixture cool slightly.

5.  Toss noodles with sauce.

6.  Garnish with scallions and/or cucumber strips and sesame seeds.

7.  Serve and enjoy! 

How To Toast Sesame Seeds

Stovetop toasting

1. For stovetop toasting, use a wide frying pan.
2. Heat the sesame seeds on medium heat, shaking the pan occasionally.
3. Remove the seeds when they darken and become fragrant.
4. For both methods, allow the toasted seeds to cool.
5. Store in a covered jar at room temperature.

Oven toasting

1. For oven toasting, preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Spread the seeds out on a baking sheet.
3. Bake until the seeds brown and become fragrant.
4. For both methods, allow the toasted seeds to cool.
5. Store in a covered jar at room temperature.

Tip:  It takes me between 3 and 5 minutes to toast sesame seeds on the stovetop, and about 15 minutes using the oven. 

Source: http://chinesefood.about.com/cs/sauces/ht/toastsesameseed.htm