Recipes Thai Peanut Rice Noodles with Broccoli, Peas and Cashews The loveliness of this recipe is how adaptable it is. You don’t like peas? Don’t use ‘em.w Loooove ginger? Add more. Prefer cashew butter over peanut butter? Sub away, my friend. This is a rich and satisfying dish, full of the savory umami flavors and just a bit of tanginess. What I love about Thai food is most is the lively flavor wheel: you’ve got saltiness (from the tamari), sour (from the lime juice and tamarind paste), richness and sweetness (from the coconut milk and peanut butter). Together this combine into a noodle-y tangle of deliciousness. Try this with marinated and sautéed tofu or tempeh in the place of cashews if you prefer. 14 oz. rice noodles, prepared according to package instructions 1 tablespoon coconut or safflower oil 3 – 4 cloves of garlic, minced 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced 4 scallions, minced In a large pan, heat the oil over a medium-low flame. Add the garlic, ginger, and scallions, and stir frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn. Sauté for about three minutes, until the garlic is slightly tanned. 1 bunch broccoli, trimmed into florets Turn the heat up to medium-high. Add the broccoli to the pan and stir together with the garlic-ginger-scallion mix for about five minutes. 14-ounces light coconut milk 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce 2 teaspoons tamarind paste* 1 – 2 teaspoons curry powder, optional Blend these together in a blender or food processor until smooth. Pour over the broccoli in the pan and add the cooked noodles. 1 cup defrosted frozen peas or petite peas Add to the pan and cook together, stirring to soften the noodles, until the peas are cooked through and the broccoli is bright green. If it seems too dry, add more tamari. ½ lime Squeeze over the noodles and turn off the heat. Serve with toasted, lightly salted cashews on top. On the side, serve with optional tamari or soy sauce, Sriracha, lime wedges and chopped coriander leaves. *Tamarind paste is often found in Indian grocery stores or the Indian/Thai section of a natural foods store. |
