Soba Noodles with Tempeh Croutons

 I  usually stock soba noodles in our pantry.  I especially like the variety that has a bit more protein and fiber as they hold up better in most recipes.  Eden makes a soba noodle made with wheat, buckwheat pasta and lotus root and packs 9 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving.  There are other good varieties out there so I encourage you to  try soba noodles in lieu of traditional pasta when you get a chance.

Add some cucumber and chopped green onions  with a spicy peanut sauce and you have the makings of a delightful meal.  I have made many variations of this recipe because I usually don’t have exactly what is called for, but the recipe is still tasty.   Maybe it’s the combination of the peanut butter and spices and then everything else is “gravy”!   Make 4-6 servings.

Ingredients:

1 package soba noodles (8.8 ounces)

1 package three grain tempeh (8 ounces)

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon toasted and ground cumin seed

Sauce:

1/3 to ½ cup peanut butter (crunchy or creamy)

2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 Tablespoon Agave Nectar

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 Tablespoons tamari

¼ cup hot water

1 Tablespoon fresh grated

ginger (optional)

2 cloves garlic minced (optional)

Vegetables:

1 medium to large cucumber diced

3 scallions thinly sliced

¼ cup to ½ cup fresh cilantro or parsley chopped

Chopped peanuts for garnish (optional)

Start salted water boiling in a large pasta pot and cook the soba noodles as directed.   While waiting for the water to boil,  cut the tempeh  into crouton size pieces and  add the olive oil, tamari and ground cumin and add to a medium size skillet.   Saute on medium heat until golden on all sides.

 

In a separate bowl, mix all the sauce  ingredients together and stir to combine.  Meanwhile, place all the chopped vegetables in a large bowl, mix in the peanut sauce and then add in the soba noodles.  Plate up the soba noodles and add the tempeh croutons on top.  Try  sprouts or micro green as a garnish if you don't have peanuts on hand.  Enjoy warm or at room temperature.