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Sesame Noodles with Edamame and Kale

For the irresistibly creamy and flavorful sauce, which forms the heart of these delicious sesame noodles:

• 1 (2-inch) piece of fresh ginger, peeled. Fresh ginger adds a wonderful zing and aromatic warmth to the sauce, elevating its flavor profile with a subtle spice.
• 4 cloves garlic. Essential for a robust base, garlic provides a pungent and savory depth that complements the other strong flavors.
• 2 tablespoons agave (or brown sugar). This provides a touch of natural sweetness to perfectly balance the savory, tangy, and spicy notes in the sauce. Agave is a great natural sweetener, but brown sugar works just as well if preferred.
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter. The undeniable star ingredient for that rich, nutty texture and classic Asian-inspired flavor profile. For the best results, opt for a good quality, natural peanut butter.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar. Adds a crucial tangy acidity that brightens up the entire sauce, cutting through the richness of the peanut butter and providing a refreshing finish.
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce. Provides the foundational umami and saltiness, ensuring the sauce is well-seasoned without becoming overly salty.
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or any chili pepper sauce, adjust heat to your liking). For those who enjoy a little kick, Sriracha offers a delightful warmth. Feel free to increase or decrease this amount based on your family’s preferred spice level.
• 2 tablespoons oil (peanut or canola oil). This oil helps to emulsify the sauce, creating a smooth and cohesive consistency. Peanut oil adds a complementary nutty flavor, while canola oil is a neutral and widely available alternative.
• 2 tablespoons dark sesame oil. This is absolutely key for achieving that distinct, rich, and intensely aromatic sesame flavor that defines this dish. Be sure to use dark sesame oil for its robust taste.
• 1 cup reserved cooked pasta water. This starchy, nutrient-rich water is crucial for thinning the sauce to the perfect, silky consistency and helping it cling beautifully to every strand of noodle.

For the satisfying and wholesome noodle meal itself:

• 1 (12 oz) package soba noodles (I used Annie Chun’s – if you don’t have or want soba, substitute any spaghetti or thin noodle). Soba noodles, made from buckwheat, offer a unique nutty flavor and firm texture. However, regular spaghetti, linguine, or any thin pasta can be used as an accessible and equally delicious alternative.
• 2 cups thinly sliced lacinato kale. Also known as dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale, its tender leaves and slightly milder, sweeter flavor are perfect for wilting into this dish, adding a powerful boost of vitamins and nutrients.
• 1 1/2 cups shelled edamame. These vibrant green soybeans contribute significant plant-based protein, a lovely pop of color, and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor that complements the noodles beautifully.
• Sesame seeds, lightly toasted if desired, for garnish. Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch, intensify the nutty aroma, and provide the perfect elegant finishing touch to your sesame noodle dish.

1. To prepare the incredibly flavorful sesame sauce, begin by combining all the sauce ingredients (except the reserved pasta water) in a powerful blender or a food processor. Add the peeled ginger, garlic, agave (or brown sugar), peanut butter, rice vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, Sriracha, peanut/canola oil, and dark sesame oil. Process everything thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps. You want a consistent, velvety texture that will beautifully coat your noodles. Once achieved, transfer the sauce to a separate bowl and set it aside, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen while you prepare the other components of the dish.
2. Next, prepare your chosen noodles according to the package directions. It’s crucial not to overcook them; aim for al dente, meaning they should be tender but still have a slight bite. While the noodles are cooking, strategically place your thinly sliced lacinato kale and shelled edamame in a large colander within your kitchen sink. This setup is key for the next efficient step. Once the noodles are perfectly cooked, carefully reserve exactly 1 cup of the starchy pasta water – this will be essential for adjusting your sauce to the perfect consistency – and set it aside to cool slightly. Immediately after reserving the water, pour the hot, freshly cooked noodles and the remaining hot pasta water directly into the colander over the kale and edamame. The residual heat from the boiling water and noodles will gently wilt the kale to a tender consistency and perfectly warm the edamame, ensuring they are cooked just enough without becoming mushy. This clever technique saves time and ensures the vegetables are perfectly integrated and infused with a subtle warmth.
3. Once the reserved pasta water has cooled slightly, add it to the sesame sauce mixture you prepared earlier. Return the sauce to the blender or food processor and process again until it is beautifully smooth, thoroughly combined, and has reached a pourable consistency. This step helps to thin the sauce to the ideal texture for perfectly coating the noodles. Now, transfer the wilted noodles, kale, and edamame back into their original cooking pot or into a very large mixing bowl. Pour the freshly blended, creamy sesame sauce generously over the noodles and vegetables. Using tongs or two large spoons, gently toss everything together until the noodles and vegetables are evenly and completely coated with the rich and aromatic sauce. Take a moment to taste the dish for seasoning; adjust with a pinch more salt or a grind of black pepper if necessary to suit your personal preference, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
4. These delightful sesame noodles are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them immediately at room temperature for a quick and satisfying meal, where the flavors are bright and pronounced. Alternatively, chill them in the refrigerator for a refreshing and equally delicious cold noodle salad the next day – perfect for meal prep. They make an excellent packed lunch option, as my daughter happily discovered, holding up wonderfully in a lunchbox.

Notes: The original recipe from “The Mom 100 Cookbook” is designed to create enough sauce for a larger 16oz package of pasta. When using a 12oz package as I did, you might find yourself with a little extra sauce. Don’t let this delicious sauce go to waste! This extra sauce is fantastic to keep on hand in the refrigerator. It can be used as a flavorful dipping sauce for fresh spring rolls or vegetable sticks, as a vibrant dressing for a simple green salad, or even as a quick and savory marinade for chicken or tofu before grilling or stir-frying. It’s a versatile condiment that’s too good to discard, adding a burst of flavor to many dishes.

This light, protein-packed, and incredibly flavorful sesame noodle dish is sure to become a beloved staple for you and your family. It offers a perfect balance of taste and nutrition, making healthy eating both easy and enjoyable. This recipe was thoughtfully adapted from Katie Workman’s highly acclaimed The MOM 100 Cookbook, a fantastic and practical resource for parents looking for simple, delicious, and reliable meal solutions that appeal to everyone at the family table.