8.04.2008

蕎麦!
(Ice cold summer squash & soba on a hot summers day!)

Ice ice baby...


Is the buckwheat soba noodle under appreciated because of it's bleak brown color? Maybe it's not as bright and lively as it's brother Mr. Udon or as common as it's cousin Mr. Ramen but Sir Soba does have some advantages.

I think they have a bit more flavor than other noodles with the slightly nutty undertones. They are also gluten free, if that is one of your needs. Most importantly though, buckwheat soba noodles are better for you nutritionally, with higher sources of fiber, iron and protein. I also really like the texture of them, fully cooked they are a bit chewy and sticky, it's nice trust me.

Phase I

You'll want to either start this dish in the morning or the evening before hand as these soba noodles will need to marinate in this dressing to achieve their full taste-tacular potential.
For the dressing:

1/4 cup light olive oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbs honey
3 tbs rice wine vinegar
3 spring onions
1 tbs chopped ginger
2 tsp black pepper

I really recommend purchasing the mini Cuisinart processor if you want to get serious about making great creamy homemade dressings, it's a magical tool.

Pulse all the dressing ingredients in your processor until you have reached a smooth consistency. In a large bowl have ready 1 package of Buckwheat Soba noodles cooked, ready to be dressed with said dressing. Mix thoroughly because these noodles like to stick together. Cover and leave to marinate in your fridge as long as possible.

Phase II
About an hour before you are ready to eat.

Quick Asian-inspired pickles
1 farm fresh summer squash

I first made some quick Asian inspired pickles for this. Slice 1 cucumber into thin half moons, salt and let sit for 10 minutes. Wash off salt, in a small bowl add 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar, a dash of sesame oil, 1 tbs sugar and 2 tbs water. Mix well, add half moons to soak it up while prepping the rest of the meal.

Cut the squash into a thick julienne and let steam until just cooked.

Phase III
Assembly + Eat

toasted sesame seeds
1 sheet of seasoned seaweed laver
1 spring onion

Plate your dressed noodles with your quick pickles and summer squash. Garnish with your toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced spring onion and matchstick sliced seaweed and enjoy.


Fresh, filling and lots of bright flavor.

3 comments:

Felix Werbowy said...

I've just tried this dish, but I don't think I followed the directions properly. It all stuck together. Taste was good, but the texture was questionable. I think I'll try again tomorrow, thanks.

Trevor said...

It's a fine line with soba noodles. I think most people love them or hate them. As for the sticky-ness, you have to act fast and get them dressed as soon as they finish boiling. Stir em up good, you could also add a bit of extra oil. I didn't have too much trouble but they were on the sticky side. Let me know how batch #2 comes out!
-trev

Unknown said...

That looks really good.