I have, for almost my entire adult life, considered sesame my favorite flavor.  Even more than chocolate (no…say it isn’t true…)!  And I do love chocolate.  Having to choose between them would be very difficult.  Fortunately no one is asking me to do that (don’t get any ideas now)!

My first experience was with hummus and I have made many kinds of hummus over time.  But this dish is very near and dear to my taste buds for two, no three excellent reasons.  It tastes soooo good, its easy to make and its takes not even 30 minutes to prepare.  I have made it as a very simple dish of just the noodles, sauce and green onions (my favorite).  But I have also learned to make it into a more substantial meal with the addition of vegetables and a little meat…..chicken, even better is shrimp!

You can vary the noodle as well.  Spaghetti is very straightforward, but I recommend Asian noodles: Udon and my favorite, Soba or buckwheat.

In the time it takes to boil the water, you can already have the sauce made with little more than a bowl and whisk.  A garlic press is handy if you have one.

On a cold night (or a warm one), this is a great dish to make when your tired but still want to have something really yummy.

You’ll need:

1/4 cup sesame Tahina (Alkanater is my favorite)

1/4 cup warm water

1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari)

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 Tbs raw sugar

2 Tbs rice vinegar

3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced

2 Tbs hot chili oil

2 tsp sesame oil

1 small bunch of  green onions, sliced

Put a large pot of water on to boil.

While waiting for the water….

In a medium bowl, combine the other ingredients (except onions), whisk together and set aside.

When water boils, add noodles of your choice and cook according to package directions.

Drain noodles and return to pot (rinse them if they’re udon or soba).  Add tahina sauce and onions, toss and serve.  OR, also add chopped grilled chicken or shrimp and steamed vegetable.  Serve immediately..  Either way…its still delicious!