Spicy Noodles with Asparagus and Broccoli

(from getnatured.blogspot.com)

I've been cooking up a storm, but haven't posted anything - my bad. And of course, I've since forgotten a few recent ones ... oh well, better late than never to get some good stuff out to my millions ... hundreds ... okay one steady reader out there.

This was absolutely wonderful - it retained its moisture over the days - unlike so many 'pasta salads' past ... I'll absolutely make this again, no hesitation! We served it warm, as spring has been sadly derailed :(

I also added fresh ginger and garlic, just because.

½ lb soba noodles or whole wheat pasta (I used brown rice spirals)
2 cups chopped fresh broccoli
1 bunch asparagus, cut in bite-sized pieces
1 cup shredded carrots
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, lightly toasted
some green onions, chopped
¼ cup tamari
1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (I used sambal olek, plus added a hunk of finely chopped ginger, and about 3 finely chopped garlic cloves)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
2 tsp aji-mirin (rice wine), optional (I used Madeira!)
chopped cilantro

Make your sauce by whisking together the above.

Cook the noodles according to the package directions. In the last minute of cooking, add the broccoli and asparagus to the pot. Drain, and toss with the carrots, sesame seeds, and green onions.

Pour the sauce over the noodle mixture and toss well. Serve at room temperature or chilled (I think room temp or warm).