Raw Sesame Noodle Recipe

Thanks to Memorial Day, there were plenty of events to "cook" for this weekend!  My mother was looking for a recipe to make for one of her parties, and I, like the brat I am, intervened and made her choose something healthy.  What she picked wasn't quite ideal, but we switched it up a little to make a more suitable side dish.  Mom made Sesame Noodles from a Betty Crocker cookbook with whole grain pasta, agave nectar instead of sugar and extra veggies.  Her version turned out decent, but I personally felt that the flavor of the wheat pasta took away from the subtle sesame taste that was trying to shine through.  Suddenly, I was inspired!  I decided to one up her and make a raw version for a party we were both attending the following day. 

My recipe was totally better!  I used zucchini instead of pasta and it allowed the sauce's intricate flavors to really be the star of the dish.  I brought this to a party where pulled pork sandwiches were the main event.  Needless to say, I certainly was not amidst avid raw foodies.  I am proud to say, however, that everyone loved these raw sesame noodles; even my 12 year old cousin and his 21 year old ramen noodle loving brother, YAY! 

This recipe does use toasted sesame oil and rice vinegar, so it is not technically 100% raw, but I think the abundance of raw veggies certainly makes up for it.  Enjoy!

Raw Sesame Noodles

4 Zucchini

1 carrot

1/2 red bell pepper

3 scallions, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

3 tablespoons Nama Shoyu

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

4 1/2 teaspoons agave nectar

1 1/2 teaspoons grated ginger

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon cayenne powder

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

1.  Cut the zucchini in half and run each half through a mandolin with a blade with "teeth" on it, to create noodles like angel hair pasta.

2.  Run the carrot and red pepper through the mandolin also.  Mix together the 3 different varieties of noodles and scallions in a large bowl.

3.  In a small bowl, combine the last 8 ingredients and mix well.

4.  Toss the noodles in the sauce.  This can be served immediately, but its even better when it has chilled for a while.

Music Fix: Proudest Monkey-Dave Matthews Band (in Buffalo tomorrow and I can't go.)  Boo!

Eat Happy, punks. : )