Raw Pad Thai

A few weeks ago I was given a package of kelp noodles and finally found a nice dish to feature them in. I really enjoy Thai food and I've been interested in putting together a raw Pad Thai dish. I came across Ani Phyo's version using kelp noodles and that was it..inspiration hit. And I must say it came out very well considering at first I was having trouble getting the sauce to my liking. I actually had two inspirations to work with and tried them both coming up with my final version. The first was too salty, the other too oily and finally got it in the middle. Well worth the trial and errors of making the sauce. They're all simple ingredients, just tons of them. Although I prefer the minimalist approach, I felt this was to be a special dish and it was!

Kelp noodles are pretty interesting, I had no idea what to expect. They are a raw food with a neutral flavor and have a firm crunchy texture like a bean sprout. Reminds of plastic bands with their slight stretchiness. They are rich in 70 minerals and a healthy alternative to noodles containing no gluten, wheat or sugar. As an added benefit they are low in carbohydrates and calories. They can be eaten warm or cold. Find kelp noodles online and at asian grocery stores.

Raw Pad Thai

Ingredients

• 1 package of kelp noodles
• 1/2 head purple cabbage, shredded
• 1 large carrot, julliened
• 1 zucchini, julliened
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 4 scallions, sliced
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
• 1 jalapeno, sliced (optional)
• cashews or peanuts, garnish
• lime & orange wedges, garnish

Sauce

• 1/4 cup raw almond butter, I used crunchy
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 tablespoons tamari, Bragg Liquid Aminos or Nama Shoyu
• 3 tablespoon pure maple syrup or raw agave
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1/2 lime, squeezed
• 1 orange, squeezed, optional (I just had some really sweet juicy oranges on hand and threw it in)

Directions

1. Place all sauce ingredients into a small/medium bowl and mix together until blended. Set aside for 30 min to let the flavors mingle. Add extra ingredients to your taste. 
2. While sauce is setting, prepare your veggies. You could cut your kelp noodles into smaller pieces or leave as is (I left mine as is). Put kelp noodles and other vegetables in a large bowl (saving a few veggies to garnish) and add half of the sauce mixture . Toss the ingredients together until thoroughly coated. I found this was a lot of sauce and it is better to add half to see if that is enough for your liking, if not add more. I personally do not like my food drowning in sauces so I had the other half left over to use with the rest of the kelp noodles later. (See notes below.)
3. Serve with garnishments and any extras on the side. Serves 2 - 3. 

Notes: 

1. If you find your left over sauce is not enough just add a small amount of water to the mixture, about 1/4 cup water, more or less should help. Or if you find you like a more thinner sauce you could add 1/2 cup or so to the starting batch as Ani Phyo calls for (she uses 3/4 cup). Or better yet, you could squeeze more oranges.
2. If not using kelp noodles add a couple extra carrots and zucchini, or extra sprouts and cauliflower. Even add whatever veggies you may prefer. The sauce is mellow and will go with just about any vegetable.
3. You could easily make this without the kelp noodles if you like but I do encourage trying the kelp noodles if you can, it's an experience. And a really good one at that! But there are plenty of other vegetables in this dish that will fill you up. They all add vibrant color, texture and flavor...

Adapted from Vegangela (This sauce was too salty my taste, but I love her using all the veggies she used.) & Ani Phyo....(This was too oily so I cut out the coconut oil. Next time I will use the coriander she calls for.) You may find your own adaptations to all of ours. 

 Enjoy !

Mirin & Maple Tempeh Stir Fry

 This is a wonderfully sweet and nutty flavored dish. The tempeh and buckwheat noodles lend to nuttiness and the marinade that was inspired by Nigel Slater gives to the sweetness. I happen upon Nigel's website and found this recipe for a marinade that he uses and thought it would make for a nice tempeh stir fry. I added the tamari and red pepper flakes for my own taste and just pretty much used the ratio of mirin to maple syrup from his recipe as a guide. You could possibly even add some grated ginger or garlic too. I was really happy with the outcome and the way everything came together in taste, color and textures. It's a simple dish that delivers in flavor, protein and other healthy nutrients that we can all use more of!

Now let's talks about mirin for a moment. I've had my eye on recipes containing mirin but was so turned off by the product because I didn't research online first to find out more about it. Instead, while at the grocery store I made my assumption from the first bottle I picked up and happily put back because it contained corn syrup and other ingredients I prefer to stay away from. Months later I finally find there is a big difference in the way mirin is prepared. The real deal, like the one pictured above, is a traditionally brewed rice cooking wine that doesn't contain added sugar or synthetic enzymes. It’s also known as Hon-Mirin. Very commercial brands use corn syrup and preservatives and are known as Aji-Mirin. They may have their reasons for using corn syrup and preservatives but I will choose the ones that are free of these ingredients. Be sure to read the labels and find, Hon-Mirin, as it will give you the best flavor and add luster to your dishes. Here's a little article from the New York Times about mirin for further reading: Searching For The Real Mirin - Catching an ElusiveJapanese Flavor

If you can't find this type of mirin in the store, you can order it onlineor you can substitute with dry sherry or sweet marsala if you must. Or you can dissolve a small amount of pure cane sugar in a little white wine or sherry, about 1/4 teaspoon of sugar to 1/4 cup wine. These are clean substitutes for hon-mirin.

We're going to start with the tempeh first. Tempeh is one of those soy products that is good for you and can be eaten in moderation, a couple times a week. Tempeh is fermented and holds all kinds of healthy attributes along with 13 - 16 grams of protein per serving. I like to steam my tempeh before doing anything to it. Because I don't have a double broiler or bamboo steamer, I've made my own steamer by using a colander and medium size pot with lid. It works perfectly well. If you choose this route, you can reuse the pot and colander for cooking your buckwheat noodles. Steaming your tempeh will soften it nicely and the marinade will absorb a bit better. Steam for 10 minutes or so.

If you can't find tempeh in your usual grocery store, ask the store manager to consider carrying it. This is how change begins on a small scale and it never hurts to ask as they are there for you!

After steaming your tempeh, mix your marinade in a large bowl and add the tempeh, let set for 1 - 4 hours at room temp. Reserve the marinade.

Bake your tempeh...

I know what your thinking this is a stir fry! Well, you'll just have to trust me. :) 

Dice your veggies of choice, these just happen to be on hand from my last recipe. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you like, have handy or need to be used up. Other options are bell peppers, broccoli, sugar peas, zucchini...these are what come to mind in a pinch but use whatever your preference is or sounds good. They will be stir fried, or sauteed, until al dente or your choice of firmness and then mixed with the soba noodles if using those. (My favorite wok is the el cheapo carbon steel wok for around $20! It heats up quickly and cools down quickly so your food cooks just right and stops cooking when you remove it from the heat. Just be sure to season your wok well. Here's a great article on the subject: When Cheaper is Better)

Mirin & Maple Tempeh Stir Fry 

Ingredients

• 8 oz package tempeh (I used a five grain tempeh)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil, coconut oil or olive oil
• 1/3 red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 -3 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced diagonally
• 2 -3 scallions, thinly sliced
• sesame seeds, garnish
• cilantro, garnish, optional 
• 8 oz. package soba noodles, or rice would fine too (I ♥ these 100% buckwheat noodles)

Marinade

• 1/3 cup mirin
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons warm water
• 2 tablespoons tamari, bragg's aminos or soy sauce 
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste

First start by steaming the tempeh. Use a double broiler, bamboo steamer or do like I did above by using a pot and colander. Bring water to a boil, cut tempeh into sticks about 1/4 inch or so, place in choice of steamer, steam for 10 minutes. This will soften and swell your tempeh a bit helping it to absorb more marinade.  

In a large bowl, mix together the marinade, add the tempeh and let set for 1 to 4 hours at room temp, turning every so often. Reserve marinade for later.

When ready, turn oven on to 400 degrees. Bake tempeh on a cookie sheet or in a baking dish for 25 minutes, turning once in between. 

Cook your soba noodles according to package. 100% buckwheat noodles take 8 minutes to cook while the wheat and buckwheat soba noodles only take 4 minutes to cook. Drain and rinse well under cool water. Set aside. If using rice, cook about 1 dry cup and set aside.

In a wok or large saute pan, heat oil and add your cabbage and carrots, cook for about 3 minutes, add scallions, a spoonful of marinade and cook another 2 minutes or until desired firmness (I like mine al dente). Add in the soba noodles and cook for another minute or so until soba noodles are gently warmed. 

To serve, place noodles and veggies in serving bowl and top with a few strips of tempeh. Add a few large spoonful's of marinade over the noodle/veggie mixture and tempeh, top with sesame seeds and a few extra scallions. If using rice, serve rice in serving bowl and top with veggies and tempeh, drizzle with marinade, sesame seeds and scallions. 

Serves three but more likely two!

Enjoy!

Cucumber Salad + Peanut Citrus Dressing

As we head into summer and the temperatures begin to rise here in Southern California, I find myself craving salads more and more. This is a refreshing salad of cucumbers and fresh vegetables with a wonderful peanut citrus dressing that will have you tipping the bowl for every drop (I know I say that about all the salad dressings but it's true...you'll see!)

Originally I wanted to create cucumber noodle salad for this recipe but quickly decided that I would rather keep this as easy as possible without having to use too many tools. The only tool I do recommend for this recipe is a microplane for grating your ginger and garlic. It's a great tool for any kitchen and will come in handy over and over again.

Bring on the warmer weather and let's beat the heat with this easy and flavorful Thai inspired salad!

Cucumber Salad + Peanut Citrus Dressing

Salad 

• 2 1/2 cups English cucumbers, sliced and quartered
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 head of purple cabbage, sliced
• handful cilantro, roughly chopped
• handful cashews, for garnish
• red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)

Peanut Citrus Dressing

• 3 tablespoons orange juice, lime juice or lemon juice, + more as needed
• 3 tablespoons raw or natural peanut butter (almond or cashew butter is great too)
• 1 tablespoon tamari, bragg's liquid aminos or soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1/2 garlic clove, grated
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• pinch of red pepper flakes or 1/2 teaspoon sriracha hot sauce (optional)

In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the peanut citrus dressing, set aside allowing the flavors to come together. Then before adding the dressing to the salad, taste for flavor adding anything extra you might like. For a thinner dressing add 1 or 2 tablespoons citrus juice or water. To make it thicker add a tad bit more nut butter.

Prepare your salad ingredients. Check your dressing for flavor. In a large bowl combine the salad mix with the dressing, toss well and serve. Top with cashews and red pepper flakes. Serves two.

Notes for the dressing: Use the orange juice for a less tangy dressing. I used orange for this recipe and have also used lemon as well. Both were great, and I know the lime will be wonderful too! You can also lessen the amount of juice replacing it with water. Add in some citrus zest of choice if desired. And if you're a vinegar lover, try adding a splash or two of rice vinegar!

Notes for the salad: Try tossing in a cup of cooked quinoa after mixing for a more nutritionally balanced profile.

Recommended tool for grating as mentioned above: Microplane

Enjoy!

Asian Rainbow Salad + Spicy Mango Dressing

You may remember a few posts back that I mentioned buying loads of strawberries each week, I shared with you all a Strawberry Chocolate Milkshake.  Not only have I been buying strawberries each week, and freezing most of them, I've also been buying mangoes. We have a local farmer who comes around selling them and I scoop them up as much as I can. Some have been chopped and stored in the freezer along with the strawberries for smoothies, others eaten with a sprinkle of cayenne or as is. I love mangoes with their sweet yellow/orange flesh  and have been wanting to put them to different uses. I've always wanted to try a mango dressing but just never felt like using the food processor, one more thing to have to wash...I'm all about keeping things easy. But sometimes you just have to give and the little extra cleaning was all worth it. This spicy mango dressing with it's beautiful color is the perfect accompaniment to this colorful salad. And, it's a nice mix up to all the peanut dressings that I usually tend to use. Light, bright and refreshing, this colorful salad is another welcome addition to the recipe collection!

Start with your spicy mango dressing. Add ingredients to food processor/blender, process until smooth. Set aside so flavors can develop.

Chop and shred your lettuce and cabbages, add to large bowl.

Add bell peppers, scallions and cilantro, toss and serve! 

Asian Rainbow Salad + Spicy Mango Dressing

Ingredients

• 1 head romaine, sliced
• 1 small head cabbage, or 1/2 head large, sliced
• 1/4 head red cabbage, sliced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1/2 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
• 1 avocado, sliced, to serve
• black sesame seeds, to serve
• slivered almonds, to serve

Spicy Mango Dressing

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and seed removed
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons water, or more vinegar if you like
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• pinch of pink salt

Start with the mango dressing by adding all ingredients to food processor/blender and blend until smooth. Set aside to let the flavors develop.

Add salad ingredients to a large bowl and toss. Serve in individual dishes, top with diced avocado and spicy mango dressing. Add a sprinkle of black sesame seeds & slivered almonds over top. If eating this as a monster salad, simply enjoy straight from the large bowl! 

Makes one very large salad or four smaller salads.

Notes:

Feel free to add cucumbers, carrots, broccoli....whatever you like.

Add some cubed plain, baked or crispy fried tofu for added protein if you like. 

Enjoy!