SUPERFOOD // BUCKWHEAT:
Buckwheat is very effective when it comes to the health of your brain and mind. It is calming, relaxing and has been shown to boost your mood and reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia, psychosis, mental disturbances, stress, moodiness and anxiety. This is because buckwheat is an excellent source of tryptophan which helps us to release serotonin. Serotonin or the “happy chemical” makes us feel happy and relaxed. A one-cup serving provides 25 percent of your recommended allowance.
Soba noodles (soba is the Japanese word for buckwheat) are thin noodles made from buckwheat flour. Add a little soba to your diet with my Asian Soba Noodle Salad with Coconut and Ginger dressing.
Recipe by Rose Reisman
Asian Soba Noodle Salad with Coconut Ginger Dressing
Ingredients
- 8 oz. thin soba noodles
- 1½ cups finely chopped snow peas
- 1½ cups finely chopped red bell pepper
- ½ cup finely chopped green onion
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro or parsley
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
- ½ cup light coconut milk
- 3 tbsp natural peanut butter
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 tsp minced fresh garlic
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
- 1 tsp hot chili sauce, or to taste
Instructions
- 1 Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil and cook the noodles for 3 to 5 minutes or until tender. Drain. Rinse under cold running water and drain again.
- 2 Combine the noodles, snow peas, red pepper, green onion, cilantro and peanuts in a large serving bowl.
- 3 For the dressing, combine the coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, garlic, brown sugar, ginger and chili sauce in a bowl or a small food processor. Whisk or process the mixture until smooth.
- 4 Pour the dressing over the vegetable-noodle mixture and toss to coat.
