Noodles with Snow Pea Greens

Noodles with Snow Pea Greens Recipe from Japan

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Noodles with Snow Pea Greens is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of tender pea greens, savory shiitake mushrooms, and spicy chilies. This recipe is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a popular choice for a quick and easy meal.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Asian noodle dishes that have been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors makes this dish a favorite among food enthusiasts around the world.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) snow pea greens
2 red chilies
some rice wine (sake, shaohsing, whatever)
0.5 cup chopped shallots
12 fresh shiitake mushrooms
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp rice vinegar
4 chopped scallions
8 to 12 oz (340 g) Japanese noodles (soba, udon, whatever -- I used soba)

How to prepare

Lightly steam the pea greens until they are crisp, but cooked.
Chop the chilies, shallots, and scallions.
Slice the shiitake mushrooms thinly.
Heat a large non-stick skillet.
Roast the chilies for a minute, then add about 0.25 cup of rice wine.
Add the shallots and cook until they just start to darken (about 4 minutes).
Add more wine if it starts to stick.
(Put water on to boil for noodles). With the wine cooked off, add the shiitake mushrooms.
They should release their own water.
Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the mushrooms are fully cooked and the pan is drying out.
Add soy sauce, vinegar, and scallions.
Cook for a minute and then turn off the burner and set aside.
The water for the noodles should be boiling, add the noodles and cook until done, about 5 minutes usually.
Toss the noodles, pea greens, and mushrooms together.
Eat.

Variations

Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
Substitute other leafy greens such as spinach or kale for the pea greens.
Use different types of mushrooms, such as cremini or portobello, for a different flavor profile.

Notes

Ya know, slivered shiitake reminds me of tripe when it cooks. I bet if you substituted shiitake for the tripe in a good recipe it would make a tasty dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to lightly steam the pea greens to maintain their crisp texture.

- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the amount of chilies to suit your spice preference.

- Don't overcook the shiitake mushrooms, as they can become tough and chewy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the noodles with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Lightly steam the pea greens to maintain their crisp texture.

- Slice the shiitake mushrooms thinly to ensure even cooking.

- Toss the noodles with the sauce and vegetables just before serving to ensure they are evenly coated.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute tamari for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Use vegetable broth or water in place of sake or shaohsing if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the sauce and vegetables ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the noodles just before serving for the best texture.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the noodles with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added crunch and flavor. Serve in individual bowls for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine or a light lager beer to complement the spicy flavors. A side of pickled vegetables or kimchi would also be a great accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as iron and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat (from the noodles), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This dish is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Noodles with Snow Pea Greens is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With a balance of savory, spicy, and fresh flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for noodles with snow pea greens. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Lily in her quaint little village. As soon as I stepped into her cozy kitchen, the aroma of herbs and spices wafted through the air, making my mouth water.

Lily was a master in the kitchen, and she had a way of making even the simplest dishes come alive with flavor. On that particular day, she was preparing a dish of noodles with snow pea greens, a recipe she had learned from her grandmother who had passed it down through generations.

I watched in awe as Lily effortlessly tossed the fresh snow pea greens into the sizzling pan, their vibrant green color popping against the dark soy sauce. The aroma of garlic and ginger permeated the air, creating a tantalizing scent that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

As the noodles cooked to perfection, Lily shared with me the story of how she had learned this recipe. She told me that her grandmother had been a renowned chef in their village, known for her exceptional culinary skills and her ability to create dishes that were both delicious and nutritious.

One day, when Lily was just a young girl, her grandmother had taken her into the kitchen and taught her the secret to making noodles with snow pea greens. She showed her how to select the freshest ingredients, how to cook them just right, and how to season the dish with just the right amount of spices.

From that day on, Lily had been hooked. She made the dish every chance she got, perfecting her technique and adding her own unique twist to the recipe. And now, she was passing it on to me, her dear friend, so that I too could experience the joy of creating a dish that was not only delicious but also carried with it the memories of generations past.

I listened intently as Lily explained each step of the recipe, from boiling the noodles to blanching the snow pea greens to sautéing them with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. I watched as she expertly combined the ingredients, her hands moving with a grace and precision that only comes from years of practice.

Finally, the dish was ready. Lily plated the noodles with snow pea greens, garnishing them with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of chili oil. The colors and flavors melded together beautifully, creating a dish that was as visually stunning as it was delicious.

As I took my first bite, I was transported back in time to Lily's grandmother's kitchen, where the aromas of garlic and ginger filled the air and the sound of laughter echoed off the walls. I could almost hear her grandmother's voice, encouraging us to cook with love and passion, to honor the ingredients and the traditions that had been passed down through the years.

And as I savored each mouthful of noodles with snow pea greens, I knew that I had not just learned a recipe, but had been given a precious gift – the gift of connection, of tradition, and of love. And for that, I would be forever grateful to my dear friend Lily and her grandmother, whose legacy lived on in every bite.