Noodles And Watermelon Food

SPICY THAI-INSPIRED NOODLE WATERMELON SALAD

Steps:

• Place 2 cups watermelon in a blender; cover and puree until smooth. Press through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl; discard pulp. Pour 1 cup juice into a small saucepan (save any remaining juice for another use). Add chili sauce, fish sauce, lime juice and ginger to saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is slightly thickened, 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat. Refrigerate until cooled., Meanwhile, prepare noodles according to package directions; rinse with cold water and drain well. Place noodles in a large bowl. Add carrots, red onion, cilantro, mint and remaining 2-1/2 cups watermelon. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Serve with peanuts and lime wedges.

THAI NOODLE-STEAK SALAD

Steps:

• Heat a grill to medium high. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook as the label directs. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside in a colander to drain thoroughly.
• Whisk the lime juice, 3 tablespoons water, the sugar, sambal oelek and fish sauce in a large bowl. Add the cucumber, onion, watermelon and noodles. Season with salt and pepper and toss; set aside.
• Season the steak with salt and pepper. Brush the grill with vegetable oil. Grill the steak until marked, about 3 minutes per side for medium rare. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes, then thinly slice.
• Add all but a few tablespoons cilantro to the noodle salad and toss. Top with the steak and the remaining cilantro.

DUCK & WATERMELON NOODLE SALAD

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Put the duck legs on a baking tray and rub with the oil, five-spice and ½ tsp salt, and roast for 1 hr. Meanwhile, mix the dressing ingredients in a bowl and season.
• Remove the tray from the oven and pour any fat into a mug (save this to make fantastic roast potatoes). Spoon 1 tbsp of the dressing over each duck leg, then drizzle with a little extra honey (about 1 tsp per leg). Return to the oven for another 15 mins, brushing any sticky sauce that drips off the duck back onto the skin after 8-10 mins. Remove from the oven and leave to rest while you prepare the noodles.
• Boil the kettle and put the noodles in a large bowl. Pour over enough hot water to cover, then leave to stand for 3-5 mins until soft. Drain and run under cold water to cool. Shred the duck meat and skin with two forks - it should easily pull away from the bone. Toss the noodles in any sticky, fatty juices left on the tray used for the duck.
• Arrange the noodles on a platter. Top with the watermelon, duck, herbs and chilli, pour over the remaining dressing and toss together just before serving.