ASIAN NOODLE SALAD WITH EGGPLANT, SUGAR SNAP PEAS, AND LIME DRESSING

Asian Noodle Salad with Eggplant, Sugar Snap Peas, and Lime Dressing image

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 Japanese eggplants, unpeeled, cut on diagonal into 1/3-inch-thick slices
8 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed
2 bunches green onions, trimmed
1/4 cup Asian sesame oil
1 6-ounce package dried chuka soba (Japanese-style) noodles
1 8-ounce package sugar snap peas, trimmed
7 tablespoons hoisin sauce
3 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
4 teaspoons finely grated lime peel
1 1/2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger

Steps:

Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Combine first 3 ingredients; add Asian sesame oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill vegetables until tender, turning often, about 7 minutes for eggplant and mushrooms and 5 minutes for green onions. Transfer mushrooms and onions to cutting board; cool slightly. Slice mushrooms and onions.
Meanwhile, cook noodles in large pot of boiling salted water until almost tender but still firm to bite, about 3 minutes. Add sugar snap peas to noodles; cook 1 minute longer. Drain well. Transfer noodle mixture to large serving bowl. Add grilled vegetables.
Whisk last 4 ingredients in small bowl to blend. Toss noodle salad with dressing; season with salt and pepper.
Test Kitchen Tip: The cooking time of Japanese-style chuka soba noodles varies by a minute or two depending on the brand of noodle. Test them after three minutes to avoid overcooking.