Peanut-less Noodles

Food.

With so many people having severe nut allergies, it is very important to have some good recipes in your back pocket that are safe for our peanut-challenged friends.

Recently, we had a client request an Asian-inspired menu with a noodle salad...but absolutely no nuts could be in the mix. That can be a tough one, because most Asian Noodle salads call for at least a bit peanut butter. Luckily, I was able to find this recipe in a 2001 issue of Epicurious that was absolutely perfect. On-theme and absolutely nut free **. And pretty tasty too!!

Asian Noodle Salad

Serves 6

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar

1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes

1 garlic clove, minced

2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger

3/4 lb thin linguine

1 cup coarsely shredded carrot

3 scallions, cut crosswise into thirds and thinly sliced lengthwise

2 tablespoons black sesame seeds

6 radishes, halved and thinly sliced

Stir together soy sauce, vinegar, oil, red pepper flakes, garlic, and ginger.

Cook linguine in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, then drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool. Toss with dressing, carrot, scallions, sesame seeds, and radishes in a large bowl.

** It is rare, but some people with nut allergies have sensitivity to sesame as well. Be sure to ask before serving.