Spring inspires spontaneity and an inventive spirit. The calendar shows we are now closer to summer than winter, and I’m feeling it — the desire to stop planning the clock and live more in the moment grows as the thermometer creeps upward.
One of the many things to love about having a home garden is walking out into the backyard, the sun strong on your shoulders, surveying nature’s bounty, and planning the mealtime menu. It taps the base instincts, foraging and hunting (and grilling, too — humankind has been cooking over an open flame for thousands of years). (For the record, I also get happy menu-planning feelings at the farmers’ market.)
One sunny Sunday morning, I fetched radishes, chives and over-wintered carrots from the garden and spread them out on the kitchen counter. Spying oranges and soba noodles from a recent trip to the market, lunch magically sorted itself out.
These are my favorite meals, the ones that happen effortlessly with ingredients on hand from garden and pantry.
The difference between a cook and a cook, I’ve come to realize, is the confidence to close the recipe binder and wing it. Instinct and curiosity (and, yes, hard knock lessons) are powerful tools in the kitchen.
Master a few basic techniques this summer — poach an egg, create a signature vinaigrette, steam fresh vegetables, grill salmon on a cedar plank — then close the binder.
And be spontaneous: cook from the heart.
Karen xo
Soba Noodle Salad with Orange Miso Vinaigrette
Serve this salad at room temperature, or after a stint in the fridge, for a cooling nosh at the end of a long day in the hot sun.
Ingredients:
8 ounces soba noodles
2-3 round radishes, thinly sliced (or one french breakfast style radish)
1 medium carrot, finely grated
1 heaping tablespoon chopped chives
sesame seeds, for garnish
orange miso vinaigrette (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the soba noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool. (You can also transfer to a bowl and place in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.)
2. In a medium bowl, toss the radishes, carrots, and chives with a little bit of the vinaigrette. Add the cooled noodles and use tongs to gently mix the vegetables in with the noodles (slide the tongs to the bottom of the bowl, close over the noodles and turn over). Drizzle with more vinaigrette to taste. (I prefer the noodles to be nicely coated with the dressing, but not sitting in a pool of it.)
3. Portion into individual serving bowls. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Top with more dressing, if desired.
Orange Miso Vinaigrette
Juice of one medium orange
2 tablespoons finely grated ginger
1 tablespoon mild miso (such as white)
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 tablespoon neutral-tasting oil (such as canola or grapeseed)
Instructions:
Place all ingredient except oil in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Add the oil and continue whisking until mixed (note: the dressing might not emulsify, but that’s okay. All will be fine when added to the noodle salad.
Or, easier, place all ingredients in a tallish container and use a stick blender to mix. The ingredients will emulsify quite nicely. You can also use a small food processor (a regular sized processor probably won’t handle this small of a batch.)
Thai Recipes
Sunday 9th of July 2017
What gorgeous photos!
K
Wednesday 23rd of May 2012
Soba is one of my favorite things and a constant go-to! This looks colorful and so delicious.
Rachel @ RachelCooksThai
Wednesday 16th of May 2012
What gorgeous photos!
ATasteOfMadness
Tuesday 15th of May 2012
This looks gorgeous! And oh so delicious! I also love winging it, although I don't quite think I've mastered how to create a signature vinaigrette. Mine always ends up being some combination of olive oil and balsamic vinegar... :p
Kenny
Monday 14th of May 2012
Mmm... that looks wonderful! As a noodle lover, I would definitely try this one out. Thanks for the recipe!