Spicy Peanut Noodles with Broccoli (Chef AJ)

Spicy Peanut Noodles with Broccoli

Source: Unprocessed: How to Achieve Vibrant Health and Your Ideal Weight by Chef AJ. Also found a copy of the recipe on Healthy Girl's Kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound brown rice noodles (spaghetti or linguine)
• 1 pound broccoli florets
• 3/4 cup peanut butter, unsweetened and unsalted
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 Tbsp low sodium tamari
• 2 Tbsp date syrup*
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1/4-1/2 ounce piece of fresh ginger, pressed
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 8 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
• Sesame seeds or chopped unsalted peanuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. To make the date paste: soak 1/4 pound of dates in 1/4 cup of water for several hours until much of the liquid is absorbed (you can do this overnight). In a food processor fitted with the s blade (I used my mini Cuisinart), process dates and liquid until completely smooth. Store extra date paste in the refrigerator.
2. Cook pasta according to directions on package. Run under cold water when done. Drain and place in a large bowl.
3. Blanch broccoli and run under cold water when done. Drain and add to pasta bowl along with the scallions.
4. To make the sauce, combine peanut butter, water, rice vinegar, tamari, date syrup, garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk until smooth and cook for about 10 minutes until thickened, turning heat down to low if necessary to prevent overheating. Pour dressing over noodles and broccoli and thoroughly combine. Chill until it becomes cold.