Cold Rice Noodles With Coconut Milk Peanuts And Lime Food

COLD RICE NOODLES WITH COCONUT MILK, PEANUTS AND LIME

Steps:

• Cook noodles in a large saucepan of boiling water according to package instructions until tender but still chewy. (They'll firm up when cool, so you want to cook them to softer than al dente). Drain the noodles in a colander, fill the saucepan with cold water, swish the noodles in the cold water, then drain again.
• In the empty pot, stir together the coconut milk, cilantro, chiles and fish sauce. Zest the limes over the pot, then halve one of the limes and squeeze its juice directly into the pot. Cut the remaining lime into 4 wedges.
• Toss the noodles in the coconut milk mixture. Taste and adjust seasonings. (The flavor should be coconut-y, lightly sweet and savory. If you can't taste the coconut, add more milk; if the mixture is too sweet, add more fish sauce.) Serve in bowls with peanuts scattered over top and lime wedges and chile sauce alongside. Spoon any collected coconut milk at the bottom of the pan over the noodles.

COLD RICE NOODLES WITH GRILLED CHICKEN AND PEANUT SAUCE

Steps:

• Make the dipping sauce: Combine ingredients in a small serving bowl, making sure to dissolve the sugar. Leave to ripen for 15 minutes. Refrigerate any extra and use within a few days.
• Make the peanut dressing: In a blender or small food processor, puree all ingredients to a smooth sauce, about the thickness of heavy cream. Pour into a serving bowl.
• Put the chicken thighs in a low-sided bowl. To make the marinade, puree the garlic, ginger, lemon grass, fish sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar and cayenne in a blender or small food processor. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate at least 15 minutes.
• Bring a large pot of water to the boil, then turn off the heat. Add the rice vermicelli and soak for 7 to 8 minutes. (Package directions may vary; check for doneness by tasting). Drain when noodles are al dente, and cool under running water. Fluff and leave in strainer to drain well.
• Grill the chicken over coals on a stove-top grill pan, or under the broiler until nicely browned, about 3 to 4 minutes a side. Let cool slightly, then chop roughly into 3/4-inch pieces.
• In a small bowl, dress the cucumbers, carrots and mung bean sprouts with 1 tablespoon dipping sauce. Divide the cooked noodles among 4 bowls. Top each bowl equally with the cucumber mixture and chopped chicken. Spoon 2 teaspoons dipping sauce and 2 tablespoons peanut dressing over each portion. Add the basil, mint and cilantro sprigs, torn or roughly chopped (leave whole if leaves are small). Sprinkle with the scallions and crushed peanuts. Serve with lime wedges, and pass small bowls of the two sauces.

RICE NOODLES WITH THAI BASIL, MINT AND PEANUTS

Steps:

• In a non-reactive bowl, whisk the rice vinegar and sugar together. Add the onion rings and toss to coat. Let stand at least 30 minutes but up to 4 hours. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons of the soaking liquid.
• In a large pot of boiling water, cook the rice noodles until al dente, about 2 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Drain well.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, oil and red pepper flakes (or fresh minced red jalapeno). Stir in the mint and Thai basil.
• Cut the cooked noodles into 3-4" long sections. Add a small amount of the noodles to a serving bowl and toss with the reserved vinegar/onion liquid. Add the remaining noodles, cucumber, fresh tomatoes, green onions and marinated onions.
• Drizzle the lime juice mixture over the rice noodles and toss gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Garnish with the roasted peanuts.

THAI COCONUT RICE NOODLES WITH CHICKEN

Steps:

• Heat water for noodles and cook pasta 6-8 minutes (stir-fryable) or according to package directions.
• Drain noodles, rinse under cool water and allow to drain; cut into smaller pieces if desired.
• Meanwhile, toast coconut if necessary.
• Using a whisk, mix together ingredients for sauce: coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, curry powder, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper.
• Heat oil in large pan until almost smoking.
• Add chicken and stir-fry until almost done and nicely browned.
• Add bell pepper and cook 1-2 minutes.
• Add mushrooms and cook until they are tender.
• Add chopped scallions, basil, and the juice of the lime and cook briefly.
• Stir in sauce mixture and allow to heat.
• Add cooked noodles and chopped cilantro and toss until thoroughly coated.
• Allow to heat through then remove from heat.
• Serve garnished with toasted coconut, chopped cashews, and minced chiles.

RICE NOODLES WITH CILANTRO, MINT AND PEANUTS

Steps:

• Whisk vinegar and sugar in medium bowl to blend. Add onion rings and toss to coat. Cover and let stand at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons vinegar mixture.
• Cook noodles in large pot of boiling water until tender but still firm to bite, about 2 minutes. Drain. Rinse under cold water. Drain well.
• Whisk lime juice, oil and crushed red pepper in small bowl to blend. Stir in mint and cilantro. Using kitchen shears, cut noodles into 3- to 4-inch-long sections. place handful of noodles in large bowl. Drizzle with reserved 2 tablespoons vinegar mixture and toss to coat. Add remaining noodles, cucumber, green onions, tomatoes and marinated onions. Drizzle lime juice mixture over and toss gently. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with peanuts and serve.