Spicy Soba Noodles in Peanut Sauce

Spicy Soba Noodles in Peanut Sauce
from pg. 153 in Quick and Easy Vegan Comfort Food

• One 8-ounce package soba noodles
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and julienne cut
• 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 T peanut oil
• 1/2 large red bell pepper, cut into thins trips
• 3 green onions, white part and 1/2 inch green part, chopped
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup Thai Peanut Sauce
• 1 T maple syrup, optional
• 1 t red pepper flakes
• freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Prepare the noodles per the instructions on the package, minus 1 minute. Drain, do not rinse, and set aside.
2. While the soba is cooking, steam the carrots, broccoli and peas until the carrots are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Warm the oil over medium high heat in a large saucepan or wok. Add the bell pepper, green onion, and celery. Saute for 2 minutes. Add the steamed vegetables and cook for an additional 3 or 4 minutes. Add the soba noodles and mix thoroughly. Slowly stir in the peanut sauce and maple syrup, if using, until noodles and vegetables are thoroughly coated. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and season with pepper to taste. Serve warm. 

Note: I didn't use most of those vegetables. I used 2 heads of broccoli, an eggplant, one leek and a few leaves of chard. Super delicious!! I also topped it with cilantro, lime juice and crushed peanuts.