Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Cold Noodle and Carrot Salad



The weather in Southern California has been beautiful lately and my poor family back in Chicago has been hit with terrible blizzards. My Crazy Cousin Bud (CCB for short) loves taunting our family over Facebook by reminding them of how gorgeous and sunny it is here while they are busy shoveling out their cars to get around town. I am not so evil, but I did want to take advantage of this unseasonably warm weather by cooking something a bit more suited to summer. I decided on an Asian inspired grilled chicken with Cold Noodle and Carrot Salad and garlic and ginger steamed broccoli. The meal was delicious and the Cold Noodle and Carrot Salad was phenomenal, Terry couldn’t stop raving about it. It was extremely simple to make, nothing more than cooking pasta, a little chopping and a little mixing. I made it during the afternoon and we enjoyed it that evening. The leftovers also held up very well.

-Heather


Cold Noodle and Carrot Salad
(Adapted from The kitchn)

8 ounces whole wheat angel hair pasta
3 large carrots
1 bunch (about 6) scallions
1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger
2 tablespoons sesame oil, plus more for drizzling
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce, or to taste
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Cook the noodles for 6-8 minutes, or according to package directions. Drain and toss with just a drizzle of sesame oil to keep them from sticking together. Put in the refrigerator to cool.

Peel the carrots and shred or shave with a peeler. You should have about 2 cups of loose carrot shavings. Chop the scallions into small pieces.

Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until they become fragrant; watch to be sure that they do not burn.

Whisk the sesame oil, vinegar, and soy sauce together and taste. Adjust for taste. Toss the carrots, scallions, ginger, chilled noodles and sesame seeds together and serve.

Cook the noodles for 6-8 minutes, or according to package directions.
Drain and toss with just a drizzle of sesame oil to keep them from sticking together. Put in the refrigerator to cool.
Peel the carrots and shred or shave with a peeler. You should have about 2 cups of loose carrot shavings. Chop the scallions into small pieces.

 Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until they become fragrant; watch to be sure that they do not burn.

Whisk the sesame oil, vinegar, and soy sauce together and taste. Adjust for taste.

Toss the carrots, scallions, ginger, chilled noodles and sesame seeds together and serve.


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