I know my whining about not having a fully functioning kitchen must be getting as annoying to you as it is to me. It rather limits the dinner choices to the more simple foods, and draining pasta can be a real drag when you don't have a kitchen sink. With all of that said, sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and give in to the odd craving.
For example, on my recent hour spent viewing Fine Cooking's web site for new ideas I came across a recipe for Spicy Peanut Noodles which although it looked rather delicious, reminded me of a fabulous recipe I'd made previously thanks to Mary at One Perfect Bite for noodles with a curried peanut sauce. It was out of sight, so I figured I'd just combine the two and come up with my own semi-original super delicious version.
Isn't that what cooking's all about anyway? Experimentation often gives way to some fabulous discoveries. I hope this particular bowl of yummyness doesn't get the kitchen police after me for combining a bunch of Asian flavors. Check out the recipe and you'll see what I mean.
Spicy Curried Peanut Noodles with Ground Chicken and Vegetables
(Inspired and adapted from recipes from finecooking.com and One Perfect Bite)
Sauce:
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 cup light coconut milk
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1-1/2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste (more or less to taste)
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Combine above ingredients in a small saucepan and heat, stirring constantly until sauce comes together. Set aside.
1 – 10 ounce package of Chinese Noodles (I used Annie Chun Chow Mein Noodles)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 pound ground chicken (or ground pork)
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 jalapeno sliced
1/2 small zucchini cut into julienned strips
3 mini peppers, assorted colors, julienned
Grated carrots
Several sprigs of fresh mint, chopped
3 large fresh basil leaves, chopped
Fresh limes, Chopped Nuts
Cook Chinese noodles per package directions and drain well. Meanwhile heat sauté pan over medium heat and olive oil. When shimmering add ground chicken and cook stirring constantly until no longer pink. Add ginger, garlic and sweet chili sauce. Cook for additional 2 minutes.
Add drained noodles and prepared sauce to chicken and toss to coat well. Serve in bowls and sprinkle with jalapeno, zucchini, peppers, and carrots. Garnish with chopped mint and basil. Serve with lime wedges. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
A year ago - Stuffed Eggplant
Two year's ago - Crispy Parmesan Chicken Drumettes
That looks absolutely fabulous! I will try it - with rice noodles - which me and SW prefer!
I thought of you last night - we had a chicken and mushroom curry - I even added sweet peas!
How is the sweet Maxer? Hugs!
Posted by: Lea | 04/24/2012 at 08:45 AM
Lea - ohhhh chicken and mushroom curry! I bet it was amazing and with peas too! What on earth could be better. I can hear Big Guy going "ewww" right now. LOL The Maxer's had quite a 24 hours. He had another seizure last night but hopefully he's ready to get back to normal. He's looking pretty silly right now -he's had enough valium to sink a battleship. Such a little fighter though he'll likely get over this before we do. Hugs back atcha. Thanks so much for asking about our little fur ball.
Posted by: June | 04/24/2012 at 08:59 AM
Way to get all culinary commando with the noodles. I love doing the same thing...taking what I think are the best ideas from a couple of recipes and throwing them together just to see what happens. This looks like a keeper.
Posted by: Lorraine | 04/26/2012 at 07:18 AM
Lorraine - I'm with ya on the experimenting...that's what cooking's all about. This did turn out well and is likely in for a repeat fairly soon.
Posted by: June | 04/26/2012 at 08:48 AM