lime and peanut noodles
My dad has a saying that has profoundly informed the way I live: “There is always time for food.” Had the world actually ended this past Saturday, I probably would’ve died mid-bite while the Earth crumbled around me. An old friend of mine once legendarily missed a flight to his sister’s wedding because he was stewing lentils. I would be lying if I said that I don’t understand why anyone would do that.
Thankfully, I came up with this easy-to-make jumble of rice noodles, fresh herbs and vegetables, and other crunchy things about 30 minutes before I was supposed to leave the house to attend a wedding (congrats Chris & Valentina!). We arrived on time and no one had to listen to my stomach growl. I’ve made these noodles three times now, most recently as a welcome-home dinner after I returned from a quick trip to L.A. to attend another wedding (congrats Chris & Valerie!). The key is to take mise en place seriously so that nothing gets accidentally overcooked. These noodles are also a perfect vehicle for leftover shredded meat or sliced tofu.
serves 1
a few ounces of dried rice noodles
about 1/4 of a small head of cabbage, shredded
1/2 medium carrot, cut into strips
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small shallot clove/bulb/segment/whatever, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons palm sugar or brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce or fish sauce (or a combination of both)
almost all the juice from half of a lime
a handful of peanuts, lightly toasted and coarsely ground, crushed, or chopped
garnish: cilantro, scallions, fried shallots, Sriracha chili sauce
Soak rice noodles in warm water while you prepare all the vegetables. Combine sugar, soy/fish sauce, and lime juice. Set aside.
Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and shallot. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds, making sure they don’t burn. Add remaining vegetables. Cook until vegetables are slightly softened but still crunchy. Drain noodles and add them. Stir them around and add a splash of water to soften them up more. When water has evaporated (should be after only a few minutes) add lime juice sauce. Toss noodles around to coat evenly. Garnish with peanuts and everything else.
