COLD NOODLES WITH SESAME SAUCE

COLD NOODLES WITH SESAME SAUCE image

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 large cucumber
12 oz long pasta (linguine or fresh Chinese egg noodles)
2 Tbsp. dark sesame oil
1/2 cup sesame paste (tahini) or peanut butter
2 Tbsp. sugar
3 Tbsp. soy sauce, or to taste
1 tsp. minced ginger, optional
1 Tbsp. rice or wine vinegar
Hot sesame oil or Tabasco sauce to taste
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, or more
Garnish:
At least 1/2 cup minced scallions
1-2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds

Steps:

1. Peel cucumber, cut in half lengthwise, and, using a spoon, scoop out seeds. Cut cucumber into very thin matchsticks and set aside. 2. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until tender but not mushy. While pasta is cooking, whisk together sesame oil and paste, sugar, soy, ginger, vinegar, hot oil and pepper in a large bowl. Thin sauce with hot water, so that it is about the consistency of heavy cream; you will need 1/4 to 1/2 cup. Stir in cucumber. When pasta is done, drain it and run pasta under cold water. Drain. 3. Toss noodles with sauce and cucumbers. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary (the dish may need salt), then garnish and serve.