Cold Noodles in Sesame Paste
Cold Noodles in Sesame Paste Recipe - Authentic Mongolian Cuisine
Introduction
Cold Noodles in Sesame Paste is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a hot summer day. The combination of nutty sesame paste, soy sauce, honey, and chili oil creates a delicious sauce that coats the noodles perfectly.
History
This dish has its origins in Chinese cuisine, where sesame paste is a common ingredient used in many dishes. The combination of cold noodles and sesame paste is a popular choice in many Asian countries, especially during the summer months.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) of chinese noodles, but linguine works well
- 5 heaping tablespoons of well-mixed sesame paste (tehini)
- 4 tbsp of soy sauce
- 2 tbsp of honey
- 4 tbsp of sesame oil
- 1 tbsp of hot chili oil (or to taste)
- 1-2 scallions
- 1-2 tbsp of sesame seeds.
How to prepare
- Boil the pasta and drain it. Rinse the pasta with cold water in a colander to cool it down. Lightly toss the pasta with some sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- In a blender, mix the other ingredients and the remaining sesame oil. The mixture should be somewhat thick, but still runny enough to coat the noodles. If it is too thick, mix in some cold water.
- Pour the sauce over the noodles and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
Variations
- Add shredded chicken or tofu for extra protein.
- Mix in some shredded carrots or cucumber for added crunch.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to rinse the cooked noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down quickly.
- Mix the sesame paste well before adding it to the sauce to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Adjust the amount of chili oil to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cold Noodles in Sesame Paste with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Boiling, blending
Ingredient Substitutions
Peanut butter can be used as a substitute for sesame paste if needed.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the dish with additional sesame seeds and chopped scallions for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this dish with a cold glass of green tea or a light beer for a refreshing meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 520 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 65g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 22g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 12g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is a good source of iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Alergens
This recipe contains soy and sesame, which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
This dish is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Cold Noodles in Sesame Paste is a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. The nutty sesame paste sauce pairs perfectly with the cold noodles, creating a refreshing and flavorful dish.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Mei Ling in her tiny kitchen in Chinatown. Mei Ling was a master in the art of Chinese cooking, and she had promised to teach me how to make one of her most prized dishes: Cold Noodles in Sesame Paste.
As we gathered the ingredients on the countertop, Mei Ling began to tell me the story of how she learned to make this dish. She explained that it was a traditional recipe from her hometown in Sichuan province, where cold noodles were a popular street food. The secret, she said, was in the sesame paste that gave the dish its unique flavor and texture.
Mei Ling's grandmother had taught her how to make the sesame paste from scratch, using only the finest sesame seeds and a mortar and pestle. She had spent hours pounding the seeds into a smooth, creamy paste, until it was just the right consistency. Mei Ling had watched in awe as her grandmother worked, marveling at the way she seemed to know exactly how much of each ingredient to add.
I listened intently as Mei Ling shared her memories, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I remembered my own grandmother, who had also been a talented cook and had taught me many of her own recipes. I could still picture her in her apron, humming to herself as she stirred a pot of bubbling soup on the stove.
As Mei Ling and I worked together to prepare the dish, I felt a connection to my own grandmother, as if she were guiding me through the recipe as well. I carefully measured out the sesame paste, adding it to the noodles along with a splash of soy sauce, a drizzle of vinegar, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
As we mixed everything together, the aroma of toasted sesame filled the air, transporting me back to my childhood kitchen. I could almost hear the sound of my grandmother's laughter as she watched me attempt to mimic her cooking techniques. She had always been so patient with me, encouraging me to try new things and learn from my mistakes.
After we had finished preparing the dish, Mei Ling and I sat down to enjoy our creation. The cold noodles were perfectly coated in the rich, nutty sesame paste, with just the right amount of tanginess from the vinegar and soy sauce. It was a symphony of flavors and textures, each bite a reminder of the culinary traditions that had been passed down through generations.
As I savored the dish, I felt a sense of gratitude for all the women who had come before me, sharing their knowledge and love of cooking. I realized that these recipes were more than just instructions for preparing food – they were a link to the past, a way of honoring the memories of those who had taught me how to cook.
And so, as I sat at Mei Ling's kitchen table, savoring the taste of cold noodles in sesame paste, I knew that I would carry on the tradition, passing on this recipe to future generations. Just as my grandmother had done for me, I would share the joy of cooking with those I loved, keeping alive the culinary heritage that had been handed down to me.
Categories
| Hot Chile Oil Recipes | Linguine Recipes | Mongolian Recipes | Mongolian Vegetarian | Pasta Recipes | Sesame Oil Recipes | Sesame Seed Recipes |