Soba noodles with orange peanut dressing

Noodles is something I always have in my pantry....be it the instant Maggi noodles, hakka noodles, egg noodles, rice noodles, or soba noodles. Noodles make for a quick and satisfying one pot meal, especially on days when I am really bored of the daal chawal routine or when I have to cook just for myself.

Soba noodles, widely used in Japanese cuisine, are made from buckwheat. Buckwheat (not related to wheat) is not a cereal grain....it is actually a fruit seed (!!) and therefore very suitable as a grain substitute for those with gluten related allergies. It is a good source of complex carbohydrates and is the best source of protein from a plant source (yes, even better than soy beans). Moreover, consumption of buckwheat is said to be good for the cardiovascular system, diabetes and cholesterol control etc.

This time, I made the soba noodles with a orange peanut dressing inspired by a recipe I found here - I've made just a few itsy bitsy changes to Nandita's recipe.The citrusy flavour of orange blends very nicely with the nutty flavour of peanuts and sesame seeds! The addition of bell pepper and raw carrots adds a lovely crunch to the soft texture of the noodles.

Ingredients:

Soba noodles 200 gms

for the dressing:

Orange juice - 100 ml (this is on the higher side -the way we like it, adjust as per your taste)

Peanut butter - 3 tbsp

Olive oil - 1 tbsp

Sesame seeds, lightly toasted, - 1 tsp

Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, vinegar - about 1.5 tsp each

orange zest - 1.5 tsp

Salt, chilli flakes - to taste

Ginger, juliennned, 2 " piece

bell pepper - 1

carrot - 1/2

sprouts - 2 tbsp

spring onion - for garnish

grilled teriyaki chicken - optional, 100 gms

Method :

Cook the soba noodles as per instructions. These noodles are sticky, so you will need to occasionally stir these with a fork. I also add a tsp of oil while cooking. Drain the noodles and let them cool.

Cut the vegetables into juliennes. I personally like the crunch of the raw veggies with the soft soba noodles, else use any veggies of your choice and steam them.

Marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce, ginger garlic paste, salt and some soy sauce. Grill and de-bone it.

Make the dressing by combining all the remaining ingredients - taste to adjust the balance of flavours as per your taste. Add in salt in the end - teriyaki and soy sauces have plenty of it!

Toss the noodles in the dressing, veggies and chicken (if using). Chill for about an hour or longer (these noodles are best served cold), garnish with spring onion and chomp away!

This is my entry to my very own Let's go nuts : Peanuts.

Hope you guys are going nuts with peanuts too.