peanut sesame noodles

 Peanut Sesame Noodles

serves four as a main course
2-4 teaspoons peanut or canola oil
 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced
1 pound spaghetti or soba noodles
1 English (seedless) cucumber
5 scallions (white and light green parts) chopped
2 teaspoons black sesame seeds (toasted white ones would be fine, too)
For the sauce:
2 tablespoons natural peanut butter*
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

 Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook the garlic and ginger for about 2 minutes, then remove and set aside.

Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to the package directions. While it cooks, peel the cucumber and slice into thin strips about 4 inches long. This is much easier on a mandoline, but you can certainly do it by hand -- the strips can be any thickness you like.
In a large bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the sauce, plus the garlic and ginger. When the spaghetti is finished cooking, drain and rinse under cold water until cool. Add to the bowl with the sauce and toss to coat. Add the cucumber, scallions, and sesame seeds.
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*If you use regular peanut butter, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce, as non-natural peanut butter contains sugar.