Chilled soba noodles in spicy peanut sauce

This is a contemporary noodle dish that pulls from elements from across Asia. The soba is traditionally Japanese, earthy and delicate. They are smothered in a spicy peanut sauce that is influenced by Thai cuisine. The peanut sauce with coconut milk is rich and creamy, adding a beautiful texture to the sauce. The ginger and sambal oelek add spice, and the peanuts add a lovely crunch. This is the perfect light bite for a hot day when the chilled noodles cool you down and the sauce is still flavourful and adds a punch.

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Ingredients:

For the dressing:

1/2 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter (I prefer chunky for the light bite)

2 tablespoons Kikkoman soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

2 tablespoons sambal oelek or chilli garlic paste, or to taste

1 teaspoon ginger paste

2 teaspoons roasted sesame oil

1/2 cup coconut milk

Salt, to taste

8-10 oz. soba noodles

8 cups water

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sesame seeds, lightly roasted

3 scallions, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Roasted peanuts, to garnish

Mix all the ingredients for the dressing—taste for spice, salt and a great flavour. Adjust as needed. Set aside.

Cook the soba noodles as per the instructions on the packet, minus one minute for al dente. You want the noodles to retain a good bite. Drain and cool completely.

Toss the noodles with the dressing well and chill for at least 2 hours.

Serve cold, dressed with the roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and scallions.