Spicy Soba Noodles & Broiled Vegetables

This Spicy Soba Noodles & Broiled Vegetables recipe makes a large pot of noodles that can be served warm, cold or at room temperature, so it's perfect for leftovers. In fact, I think they taste better the next day. Use common eggplant or the Japanese variety and add other types of vegetables like zucchini and red pepper for color and texture. The eggplant does the best job of sopping up the delicious marinade, so don't skip it. Enjoy!

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Spicy Soba Noodles & Broiled Vegetables

Yield: 6 - 8 servings

Author: Judes Draughon

Prep time: 25 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 40 Min

This Spicy Soba Noodles & Broiled Vegetables recipe makes a large pot of noodles that can be served warm, cold or at room temperature, so it's perfect for leftovers. In fact, I think they taste better the next day. Use common eggplant or the Japanese variety and add other types of vegetables like zucchini and red pepper for color and texture. The eggplant does the best job of sopping up the delicious marinade, so don't skip it. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Asian or regular (Nadia) eggplant , halved crosswise and cut lengthwise into 1/4 -inch-thick slices
• 1 red bell peppers, cut in strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut in strips
• 1 zucchini, cut in strips
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine found in the Asian section at supermarket)
• 1/2 cup low sodium tamari or soy sauce
• 3 tbsp canola oil, divided
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 3 tsp Asian chili paste with garlic (or to taste--found in the Asian section of the supermarket)
• 2 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• 5 scallions, thinly sliced, keep white parts separate
• 12 oz or 4 bundles of soba noodles
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cut eggplant and peppers. In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup mirin and 2 Tbsp each tamari (or soy sauce) and oil; toss the eggplant and pepper slices in this mixture and let marinate while you prepare the noodles.
2. Stir together water, cornstarch, chili paste, and the remaining 6 tbsp each of mirin and tamari in a bowl.
3. Prepare soba noodles as directed by package.
4. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a 1 - 2 quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat until hot but not smoking. Add ginger and the white part of the scallions and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add cornstarch mixture and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
5. Preheat broiler. Line two large baking pans with foil and lightly oil the foil. Arrange the eggplant slices on the baking sheets. Broil (four inches under the broiler), rotating the pan as needed, until the eggplant is browned, about 5 minutes (watch carefully, it burns easily). Flip eggplant to other side and broil until brown and tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside and broil the other peppers and zucchini in the same manner, but stand guard while they cook. These vegetables will take just a few minutes and burn quickly.
6. Cut the eggplant crosswise into 1/2 inch wide pieces. Toss the noodles with the vegetables, sauce, and remaining scallions. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

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