Sesame Peanut Noodles with Napa Cabbage

My rant for today:

Somebody please tell me when we all got “too dumb” to know how to cook and how to eat–marketers have convinced us we don’t have the time, we don’t have the skills and we just aren’t smart enough to figure things out on our own.  I don’t know about you, but it sure gets my hackles up!

(…because we do have the time–20 min or less for some great dinners!, we do have the skills–come on I know you can chop and saute vegetables! and we are smart enough! 🙂  There, enough said.

Here is all we need to know about eating healthy:
1.  Eat more fruits and vegetables than any other food group during the day.
2.  Choose foods that are as close to “natural” as possible–butter vs. margarine, full fat sour cream vs ultra-low fat, etc.  In other words, the less processed the better...
3.  Eat all things in moderation-no need to deprive yourself!! (… Sometimes you just need a few chips or a slice of cake!)
4.  Think about what you buy, question the marketing thrown at you, always check the ingredient listing and make eating GOOD food a priority!

Great Healthy Dinner in under 20 minutes–from start to finish!
This is one of favourite family dinners!  It’s easy, delicious and really fast to prepare.  You can easily swap out whatever vegetables you have on hand!  Enjoy this one!!

Sesame Noodles with Napa Cabbage

•  1/2 cup peanut butter
•  3 Tbs. sesame oil
•  4 Tbs. soy sauce
•  4 Tbs. rice wine (optional)
•  2 Tbs. rice vinegar (or white)
•  2 Tbs. sugar
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes or 1/2 tsp. sriracha sauce
  
•  full package (4 servings) udon noodles
  
• 1/2 lb. napa cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
• 1/2  red pepper (cut into very fine strips)
• 2 green onion chopped fine
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
  
• sesame seeds or chopped peanuts

  Whisk together peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce,  vinegar, sugar and red pepper flakes in saucepan or warm in the microwave and then whisk together.
  Add noodles to simmering water and gently use a chopstick to break apart. Cook 2-3 minutes.
  Meanwhile, lightly saute cabbage, peppers and onion.
  Drain noodles and add to cabbage mixture, top with sauce and mix well until hot and well coated.
  

Sprinkle with cilantro, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts and serve.

Enjoy!

Tip:  This recipe is just as good cold as it is hot–so make a little extra and have dinner tonight, and lunch tomorrow!