Takeout Noodles with Asparagus & Sesame Ginger Sauce

Ingredients

8 oz. asparagus

1 oz. fresh ginger

4 radishes

2 tbsp. sesame oil

3 tsp. tamari

1 tbsp. rice vinegar

1 tbsp. peanut butter

2 tbsp. chile garlic sauce

10 oz. fresh ramen noodles

¼ c. crispy shallots

¼ c. peanuts

1 tsp. vegetable oil

Salt

Directions

Bring a medium saucepan with 2 quarts water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a boil. Trim 1 inch off the bottom of the asparagus and slice the asparagus into 1-inch pieces. Peel and mince 2 teaspoons of ginger. Grate the radishes on the largest side of a box grater.

Add the minced ginger, sesame oil, tamari, rice vinegar, peanut butter, and as much of the chile garlic sauce as you’d like to a medium bowl. Whisk the sesame ginger sauce until combined.

Once the water in the medium saucepan is boiling, add the fresh ramen noodles and cook until just al dente, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process.

Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced asparagus and cook until bright green and tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the cooked ramen noodles, sesame ginger sauce, and a pinch of salt and toss until well coated and hot, another 2 to 3 minutes.

Divide the takeout-style noodles and asparagus between bowls. Top with grated radishes, crispy shallots, and peanuts.

Serves 2.

Gochujang Veggie Bowls

Ingredients

2 sweet potatoes

4 radishes

4 scallions

1 oz. fresh ginger

1 garlic clove

1 lime

2 oz. vegan cabbage kimchi

2 tbsp. gochujang

2 tbsp. sesame oil

½ cup midnight grains

2 tbsp. vegan mayo

Salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Dice the sweet potatoes into 1 inch cubes. Trim and quarter the radishes. Cut the scallions into 1 inch pieces. Peel and mince the ginger and garlic. Halve the lime, juice one half, and cut the other half into wedges. Roughly chop the kimchi.

Add the midnight grains, minced ginger, minced garlic, 1 cup of water, and a pinch of salt to a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until water is absorbed and grains are tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside, covered, to steam.

Place the diced sweet potatoes, quartered radishes, and sliced scallions on a baking sheet. Toss with gochujang and sesame oil. Roast until sweet potatoes are fork-tender and browned, 15 to 18 minutes.

Add the chopped kimchi, vegan mayo, and lime juice in a small bowl. Stir until combined.

Divide the cooked midnight grains between plates. Top with gochujang roasted vegetables and dollop with kimchi mayo. Serve with lime wedges. 

Buttermilk Farro Salad

Another one from Heidi Swanson's 101Cookbooks. Farro is all the rage now, so I thought I'd use up some buttermilk while trying to be hip.

Ingredients
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. fine grain sea salt
1/2 c. buttermilk
1/8 c. white wine vinegar
1/8 c. extra virgin olive oil
1/8 c. dill, chopped finely
1/4 . chives, chopped finely
3-4 radishes, sliced paper thin
2 small zucchini, sliced paper thin
1/2 bulb fennel, trimmed and sliced paper thin
2 c. farro, cooked and cooled

Directions
Combine garlic and salt on a cutting board. Mash into a paste using the flat side of a knife. Combine in a medium medium jar or bowl with buttermilk and vinegar. Whisk together and let sit for 5 minutes. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, then the herbs.

In a large bowl, gently toss the radishes, zucchini, and fennel with the farro grains. Add the dressing and toss again. Let sit for 10 minutes, taste, and adjust with more dressing and salt, to taste. Serve sprinkled with chives.

Serves 4 as a side.