Noodle Recipe - Vegetarian

You are going to learn how to prepare noodle recipe, vegetarian style. I am talking about ramen noodle recipe or egg noodle recipe, but this is special because it includes green tea. Yes green tea ! I called it "Long-Life Noodles with Green Tea". It has lot of healthy and nutritional value.

8 ounces udon, or whole-wheat noodles

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 teaspoon loose green tea leaves, preferably gunpowder

2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

8 ounces flavored baked tofu (see Shopping Tip), cut into matchsticks

1 small red bell pepper, cut into thin strips

1 small yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips

4 scallions, cut diagonally into 2-inch pieces

2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook noodles according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Heat a wok over medium heat. Add oil and swirl to coat. Add tea leaves (if using), ginger and garlic.Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tofu and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add red and yellow bell peppers and cook, stirring, until the peppers soften, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the noodles, scallions, soy sauce and rice vinegar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are heated through, about 2 minutes. Stir in sesame oil and pepper. Toss to combine. Serve warm or cold.

Makes 4 servings

Source: EatingWell, July/August 2007

Formatted by Chupa Babi: 09.01.07

ShopppingTip: Precooked "baked tofu" is firmer than water-packed tofu and comes in a wide variety of flavors. We prefer flavors like teriyaki, Thai and savory in this recipe. You might also like flavored
baked tofu on a sandwich or in a stir-fry.

Per serving: 420 calories; 16 g fat (2 g sat, 5 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 47 g carbohydrate; 22 g protein; 5 g fiber; 593 mg sodium; 263 mg potassium.

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (100% daily value), Vitamin A (40% dv), Iron (25% dv).

3 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges: 2 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 2 medium fat meat, 1 fat

ChupaNote: doubled ginger and garlic, added 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes to oil before adding aromatics.