Cold Noodles with Sesame Sauce

Rice, Noodles, and Other Grain Foods

Cold Noodles with Sesame Sauce
Ingredients:
1 pound thin noodles or spaghetti
3 Tablespoons sesame oil
1/4 cup sesame seed paste
2 teaspoons finely minced fresh ginger
1 Tablespoon finely minced garlic
1 teaspoon sugar
1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar
3 Tablespoons light soy sauce
1 teaspoon chili oil, or to taste
1/2 peeled thinly sliced cucumber
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions
1 to 2 Tablespoons toasted sesame seeds*
Preparation:
1. Boil the noodles or spaghetti in 4 quarts of water until just done; do not overcook them. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. In a sauce pan, combine the sesame oil, sesame seed paste, ginger, garlic, sugar, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil. Cook this mixture over low heat until just warm; it takes about three to four minutes. Be sure to mix ingredients as it warms until you have a smooth paste-like sauce.
3. Allow this sauce mixture to cool a few minutes then pour it over the noodles or spaghetti; mix thoroughly.
4.Garnish with scallions and cucumber slices and top with sesame seeds.
Note To toast sesame seeds, put them in an empty fry pan and using medium heat, toast and stir until desired color. They will emit a lovely aroma. Do not make them too brown or they will be black in a second!

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