Name: Thai Peanut Noodles
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 8 min
Ingredients: 1 package udon noodles (or substitute spaghetti); 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1 medium cucumber, unpeeled, cut into 1/4 inch pieces; 1 red bell pepper cut into 1/4 inch pieces; 3 scallions thinly sliced; 1 (14 ounce can) coconut milk, light or regular; 1 cup natural unsweetened creamy peanut butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated; ¼ cup real maple syrup; 3 tbsp red curry paste, found in the ethnic isle of most grocery stores; 3 tbsp tamari or good soy sauce; Juice from one large lime or 2 tablespoons white vinegar or rice vinegar; ½ cup water, more the thin if necessary; 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; ½ cup roasted, salted peanuts, roughly chopped; Chopped cilantro, optional

Does your mouth water when you see the word "Thai" in a recipe title? There's good reason. Thai cuisine weaves together different fundamental taste senses in each dish: sour, sweet, salty,

1 package udon noodles (or substitute spaghetti)

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

1 medium cucumber, unpeeled, cut into 1/4 inch pieces

1 red bell pepper cut into 1/4 inch pieces

3 scallions thinly sliced

For the Peanut Sauce

1 (14 ounce can) coconut milk, light or regular

1 cup natural unsweetened creamy peanut butter

2 garlic cloves, minced

1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated

¼ cup real maple syrup

3 tbsp red curry paste, found in the ethnic isle of most grocery stores

3 tbsp tamari or good soy sauce

Juice from one large lime or 2 tablespoons white vinegar or rice vinegar

½ cup water, more the thin if necessary

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

½ cup roasted, salted peanuts, roughly chopped

Chopped cilantro, optional

Cook noodles according to package directions. When done, drain and rinse in cold water. Add sesame oil and toss to coat so noodles won’t stick together. Set aside. In a large bowl, toss together the cucumber, pepper, and scallions. Add noodles and toss to combine.

To make quick version of peanut sauce, whisk all the ingredients together, except the chopped peanuts and cilantro. Sauce should be thin enough to easily pour or drizzle. Use more water to thin if necessary. To make the simmered version of peanut sauce, whisk together all the ingredients, except peanuts and cilantro, in a small pot and bring to a simmer. Cook while stirring often, for 2 to 3 minutes. Let cool slightly. Use immediately or store in a container in the fridge for several weeks.

To serve, pour desired amount of sauce over noodles and vegetables, toss to combine. Top with chopped peanuts and cilantro. Serve in bowls or in lettuce cups.