I submitted this recipe for my Food, Culture, & the Environment class that I am taking through UC Berkeley. The criteria - fewer than seven ingredients, plant-based, and easily made in less than 30 minutes. Okay, it has more than seven ingredients, but I wrote it up as 'assorted vegetables.' This recipe wasn't selected as the cooking collab session recipe; but I did win a box of Cal swag. Go, Bears!! I brought two bowls to a friend's birthday brunch and the recipe was requested by the birthday girl. I'll call that a win.
This is a quick and flexible dish that I make often with whatever vegetables I happen to have and that are in-season. In the Spring, I like to add peas and asparagus while the Winter has me including mushrooms or pre-roasted root vegetables. Be creative and use whatever you have to make your bowl colorful and delicious. The dressing can be made ahead of time and tossed in just before serving.
Ingredients
serves 2 as main dish or 4 as a side dish
Sesame Dressing
¼ cup rice vinegar
2 Tablespoons tamari plus more for serving
½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1” knob ginger, peeled and grated
2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely minced
½ teaspoon honey (I loved using a local honey) or maple syrup
Noodle Bowl
6 ounces soba noodles
Sesame oil, for drizzling
Whatever veggies you want to include, thinly sliced or julienned. Examples by color - (red) radishes or watermelon radishes, cherry tomatoes, red bell peppers; (orange) carrots, orange bell peppers; (yellow) carrots, yellow bell peppers, summer squash; (green) avocados, peas, steamed and shelled edamame, zucchini; (purple) carrots, cabbage
Sesame seeds, optional
Fresh herbs, optional (I like mint or cilantro)
More protein: fish cakes or tofu, optional
Procedure
Sesame Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, combine the vinegar, tamari, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and honey. Whisk until well-combined. Set aside.
Noodle Bowl
Cook the soba noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse well in cold water.
Pour the dressing over the noodles and toss to coat completely. Divide into 2 to 4 bowls whether you are using this as a main dish or a side dish. Arrange the vegetables in the bowl. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and herbs, if using. Drizzle with more tamari or sesame oil, if desired.
Enjoy!