Peanutty Sesame Noodles

Hi guys!
So I'd like to start out my post by saying this: I HATE PEANUT BUTTER. I have never liked it. I don't like the texture, the flavor, the smell, anything. I don't like Nutella because of the texture as well, which many think is a crime against humanity. However, Nutella is good baked into things, especially cookies (you aren't getting that recipe today, though!). Anyway, back to peanut butter, the only recipe I like it in is this one: Peanutty Sesame Noodles.

I got the recipe from my mom's Trader Joe's Cookbook. It's super easy and delicious. Luckily, if you don't live near a Trader Joe's, the only ingredient that I get from there is this:

Trader Joe's Soyaki Sauce. It's got sesame seeds in it, which is nice, and I use it on plenty of other things. It's very good. However, you could probably find a replacement at your local supermarket. The rest of the ingredients are basic, and you can get them at Safeway or whatever.

So anyway, first you boil a large pot of salted water and cook some thin spaghetti according to your package instructions. Next you whisk together the peanut butter, the soyaki sauce, and some sesame oil.

When that's nice and smooth, whisk in some water. It should look like this:

Next, shred some carrots and slice a cucumber. I used my food processor for this. It's very handy. I love my food processor.

Finally, chop up a few green onions and crush some roasted peanuts (not shown because I forgot to buy them). When the pasta is done, drain it, and put it back into the pot. Mix it with the sauce and the vegetables, and top it with the green onions and peanuts.

I like to top it with some sesame seeds, but you could do whatever you want. The recipe suggests adding tofu or chicken to make a complete meal, but I like it just fine the way it is. It's great for lunch the next day, as well :).

Here's the recipe (I like to double it):

Easy Peanutty Noodles

Ingredients:

8 oz. spaghetti noodles

1/4 cup Trader Joe's soyaki

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

2 tsp sesame oil

1/4 cup water

1 cup shredded carrot

1/2 cup sliced cucumber

2 green onions (chopped)

1/4 cup roasted peanuts (crushed)

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain.
2. Whisk Soyaki, peanut butter, and sesame oil until blended.
3. Add water and mix well.
4. Pour sauce over noodles and toss until noodles are evenly coated. Add carrots and cucumber. Toss gently.
5. Top with green onions and crushed peanuts.
6. Eat.

Source: Cooking With All Things Trader Joe's