Spicy Peanut Noodle

  In the past month here in Norway, I have learned that Norwegians have a rather peculiar interest in Asian cuisine.  I'm not sure where this interest stems from, as every Norwegian I have asked seems to agree that there are not many Asian immigrants to Norway, but it is still very present - I was assured, on one of my first days here, that every Norwegian town, even one as small as Bø, has at least one place you can get Asian food.  I may have mentioned before, but Bø is a pretty small town - around 5,000 people.  Yet somehow, despite its small size, Bø not only has a Chinese restaurant, but an Asian grocery store (called, in very creative form, Asiamat - Asian Food).  

The Chinese Restaurant of Bø

The Asian grocery store is great, if unexpected, and has been a source of cheapish (for Norway) vegetables, rice, and - most surprisingly - tofu.  However, despite the fact that it is amazing that I have been able to find tofu at all, Asiamat has apparently been shocked at the addition of one vegan to Bø's population; today when I stopped by to grab some tofu for my peanut noodles, they were completely out.  And apparently I'm memorable enough that the woman behind the counter looked up and explained apologetically that the tofu was "finished" and that I should "come back tomorrow maybe" when they got a new delivery.  

Asiamat

 I don't know why, but it makes me slightly proud that the good people of Asiamat know me as the crazy tofu girl.  Anyways, that is why this recipe does not include any tofu, but I would recommend adding some - just toss it in the pan to crisp up a little right before adding the vegetables.

 Spicy Peanut Noodle

8 oz rice noodles

2 tbsp canola oil

1 red bell pepper, slivered

1/2 onion, sliced thinly

1/2 cup shredded cabbage

1 recipe Spicy Peanut Sauce (below)

1.  Boil a pot of water and cook rice noodles according to package instructions.  Drain the noodles and set aside.

2.  Heat canola oil in a large skillet (or wok if you're that fancy) and add the vegetables.  Saute until the vegetables are tender and the cabbage is slightly wilted.

3.  Add noodles and peanut sauce to the pan and stir to coat.  Serve immediately.  

Spicy Peanut Sauce

2 tbsp peanut butter - any kind
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp white vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar
up to 2 tsp sriracha*

1.  Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth.  Yep, that's it.

*Sriracha is a hot chili sauce, and when I say hot I mean hot.  You can substitute hot sauce if you want, but it should be fairly easy to find.  If you like it spicy, add more than 2 tsp, but if you're not a big fan of spice, add less.  Drizzle some on top if you're feeling bold.