LTS Crunchy Asian Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing

This tangle of noodles with a peanut dressing upgrade tastes great. If you like more heat, add another 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes. If you don’t like heat, leave it out.

 

1/2 C. peanut butter

3 T. tamari or other soy sauce

2 T. rice wine vinegar

1/2 tsp. light brown sugar

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes, or to taste

1/8 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 C. water

8 oz. rice vermicelli or ramen noodles

1 T. toasted sesame oil

1 (8-oz.) can Carrots, drained (You can use a shredded fresh carrot if you have some in your root cellar)

1 (8-oz.) can Straw Mushrooms, drained (sub 2/3 C. peas, if they are available)

1 (8-oz.) can water chestnuts, drained

1/4 C. dry-roasted peanuts

 

In a bowl, combine the peanut butter, tamari, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder, stirring to blend well. Add the water, stirring until smooth. Set aside. Soak the noodles in enough boiling water to cover until softened (if using rice noodles), otherwise cook according to package directions.. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Toss with sesame oil to coat. Add the carrots, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and peanuts to the bowl with the noodles. Add the reserved peanut sauce, tossing gently to combine.