Kicker Sesame Noodles

Hello Everyone!

Today, I present you one kicker of a noodle dish! When I say kicker, I mean, BAM, watch out for the spice. It isn't too bad, but it does that pleasant linger of a burn. And it builds. You are forewarned. Or, well, watch...I'm going to learn I'm a heat wuss. Anyhow, a non-vegan took a bite of this, and LOVED it. In fact, he took half of the freaking bowl. Save some for me!

So, it has approval from meaties!

I hope the rest of you enjoy as much as I did.

P.S. Check out addition of a Green Find I made at the bottom.

Kicker Sesame Noodles

Ingredients:

2 pounds of whole-wheat spaghetti

1 cup of reduced-sodium soy sauce

4 tablespoons sesame oil

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 tablespoons of rice-wine vinegar

3 tablespoons of crushed red pepper

1/2 cup of scallions

1/2 cup of cilantro, chopped

4 cups of snow peas

1 cup toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:

1.)  Cook the spaghetti per package directions!

2.) Meanwhile, in a LARGE bowl (this is one big recipe!) whisk together the soy sauce, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, crushed red peppers, the scallions, and the cilantro. 

3.) When pasta is done, and drained, toss into the bowl and add in the snow peas and sesame seeds. Mix and serve! Ciao!

GREEN FINDING ALERT

Check it out! This is the ULTIMATE winner. This is the box of the whole-wheat spaghetti. It was store brand (Ralph's, for those wondering), and the cheapest on the aisle. I will point out the ingredients, yeah, no extras!  Also, made in USA. WOO. I support world commerce, all for it, but with how our economy has been suffering, and having personal friends suffering hard from it, I like to always support our country, if I have the choice! So, extra woot-woot!

Finally, look at the lovely recycle symbol. Made from 100% recycled paperboard. Can this guy get any better? A win! This pasta is a score.

Sweet Potato, Yam , and Black Bean Salad

Per a special request, welcome to my first recipe: A Sweet Potato, Yam, and Black Bean Salad!

I have to admit, this recipe was a BIG surprise, because I was not suspecting to like it. I generally know what I like and don't, but I have a rule that I am willing to try anything just once! And well, I'm SO glad I have that rule, because I LOVED this recipe. So GOOD!

So yummy...give it a try! Hopefully, you'll be pleasantly surprised like me!

Love the colors! 

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled, and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 medium yams, peeled, and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 limes, cut into halves
• 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions:

1.) Heat oven to 450 degrees.

2.) Place sweet potatoes and yams onto a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoon oil. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss and mingle to coat.

3.) Roast on middle rack until tender, which will be about 30 to 35 minutes.

4.) In a large bowl, squeeze the limes and add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil  - whisk together! Next, season with salt and pepper.

5.) Finally, when the sweet potatoes and yams are done, add them, along with the beans, onion, and cilantro into the large bowl. Mix gently to combine - and Bon Appetit!