Vegetable Noodles

Vegetable Noodles Recipe - Chinese Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: China | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Vegetable noodles are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta dishes. Packed with fresh vegetables and flavorful sauces, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty meal.

History

Vegetable noodles have been a popular dish in Asian cuisine for centuries. Originally made with traditional wheat noodles, this recipe has evolved to include low-carb options like Atkins spaghetti, making it a great choice for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake.

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) of Atkins pasta Cuts spaghetti
2 tbsp of dark sesame oil, divided
2 tbsp of vegetable oil
2 tbsp of chopped fresh ginger
3 tbsp of chopped garlic
6 oz (170 g) of oyster mushrooms, sliced
0.5 red bell pepper, chopped
2 medium carrots, cut into matchsticks
1 large head of bok choy (about 1 lb or 454 g), stems thinly sliced, leaves torn into small pieces
0.33 cup of low-carb teriyaki sauce
2 tbsp of soy sauce
2 tbsp of finely chopped green onions (optional)
2 tbsp of chopped peanuts* (optional)

How to prepare

1. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 0.25 cup of pasta cooking water and drain the rest. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl and toss with 1 tbsp of sesame oil. Cover lightly with plastic wrap.
2. In the pasta pot, heat vegetable oil on high until it shimmers. Add ginger and garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook for 1 minute more. Add red pepper and cook for 1 minute more. Add carrots and bok choy stems and cook for 1 minute more (add 2 tbsp of reserved pasta water if necessary).
3. Remove the pot from heat. Add bok choy leaves, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss well to mix.
4. Divide the pasta onto four plates. Make a depression in the center of each plate and mound with one-fourth of the vegetable mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions and peanuts, if desired.
5. *Note: If you are on the first two weeks of Induction, omit the peanuts.

Variations

Try adding tofu or shrimp for an extra protein boost.
Experiment with different vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or water chestnuts.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables quickly over high heat to retain their crisp texture.

- Reserve some pasta cooking water to add to the dish if it becomes too dry.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this recipe to suit your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish hot with a side of steamed edamame or a fresh cucumber salad.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the vegetables quickly over high heat helps to retain their crunch and vibrant colors.

- Tossing the pasta with sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in place of Atkins spaghetti for a lower-carb option.

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

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Cook the pasta just before serving for the best texture.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each plate with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and peanuts for a pop of color and crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and refreshing cucumber mint cooler for a complete 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

Each serving of this vegetable noodles recipe contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this vegetable noodles recipe contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A from the carrots and bok choy.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, this vegetable noodles recipe is a balanced and nutritious meal option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Vegetable noodles are a delicious and nutritious meal option that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With a mix of fresh vegetables, flavorful sauces, and low-carb pasta, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my friend Sarah at her beautiful countryside home. As soon as I walked through the door, I was hit with the most mouth-watering aroma. I followed the scent to the kitchen where Sarah was busy cooking up a storm.

She had a large pot bubbling away on the stove, filled with a colorful array of vegetables and noodles. The aroma was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to see what she was cooking up. Sarah greeted me with a warm smile and invited me to join her in the kitchen. She explained that she was making her famous vegetable noodles, a recipe she had learned from her grandmother many years ago.

I watched in awe as Sarah effortlessly chopped up the vegetables, tossing them into the pot with the noodles and a handful of herbs and spices. The whole kitchen was filled with the savory aroma of the dish, and my stomach rumbled with anticipation. As the dish simmered away on the stove, Sarah shared with me the story of how she came to learn this recipe.

She told me that her grandmother had grown up in a small village in Italy, where she had learned the art of cooking from her own mother. The recipe for vegetable noodles had been passed down through the generations, and Sarah's grandmother had taught her how to make it when she was just a young girl. Sarah had since perfected the recipe, adding her own unique twist to it over the years.

As Sarah stirred the pot, she explained to me the importance of using fresh, seasonal vegetables in the dish. She told me that the key to a truly delicious vegetable noodle dish was in the quality of the ingredients. As she added a splash of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the pot, she explained how these simple additions elevated the dish to a whole new level.

Finally, after the noodles had cooked to perfection and the vegetables had softened just the right amount, Sarah dished up a steaming bowl of the vegetable noodles for us to enjoy. The smell was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to dig in. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

The vegetables were perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of crunch, and the noodles were tender and flavorful. The herbs and spices added a depth of flavor that was truly unforgettable. I savored every bite, letting the flavors linger on my tongue long after I had finished eating.

As I thanked Sarah for sharing her grandmother's recipe with me, I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own kitchen. I had learned so much from watching her cook, and I couldn't wait to recreate the dish for my own family and friends. The vegetable noodles had not only filled my belly with goodness, but they had also filled my heart with joy and gratitude.

From that day on, vegetable noodles became a regular feature on my dinner table. I experimented with different vegetables and seasonings, adding my own personal touch to the recipe. Each time I made the dish, I was reminded of that hot summer day in Sarah's kitchen, and the sense of excitement I had felt when I first saw the recipe.

Now, as I pass on the recipe for vegetable noodles to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will feel the same sense of excitement and wonder that I did all those years ago. Cooking is not just about feeding the body, but also about feeding the soul. And with each delicious bite of vegetable noodles, I am reminded of the love and tradition that has been passed down through the generations.