Soba Noodles with Broccoli Slaw

I hosted a pot luck lunch recently with five former coworkers. We've known each other about 20 years now, but it's been almost two years since we all got together. Time flies. Life happens. Seasons change. But we can all still connect like no time has passed at all. :)

Here's an easy soba noodle recipe that my friends enjoyed. While I haven't run an actual nutritional profile on it, it's pretty dang healthy, and you could add some protein too.

Soba Noodles with Broccoli Slaw

© South Austin Foodie 2017

10 oz soba noodles (whole wheat spaghetti works too)

12 oz bag broccoli slaw

2 medium cloves garlic, center stalk removed (that's where the bitter garlic taste is)

½ inch knob of fresh ginger, peeled

½ cup soy sauce (I prefer a higher quality soy sauce that has better flavor over a low sodium one, but entirely up to you)

¼ cup brown sugar

2 Tbls. tahini

1 Tbls. toasted sesame oil

2 Tbls. rice vinegar

Optional 1: chile paste or flakes to taste

Optional 2: 1 - 2 Tbls. sliced scallions or chopped peanuts; ½ tsp. sesame seeds

• Cook noodles to package directions; drain,  rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly. Place in large bowl
• Cook slaw to package, either via microwave (about 3 minutes) or blanching (about 2 minutes); drain and rinse under cold water.
• While noodles cook, prepare the sauce; in a small food processor add remaining ingredients and combine. Taste it! Add more of something if you wish!
• Toss sauce over noodle and combine well. Let refrigerate for at least an hour.
• Add protein of choice if desired (grilled chicken, baked or fried tofu, etc.
• Serves 4 - 6

Like many dishes, it tastes better a few hours after it's been assembled. Also great for picnics/outdoor events because there's no mayo/eggs.