Peanut Soba Noodles

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons ginger (minced)
• 1 half of a large red onion (minced)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
• 3 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha
• 4 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons honey           
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 lime juiced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• ¼ cup fresh basil (thinly sliced)
• 1/2 cup green onions (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup carrot (grated)
• 1 whole red bell pepper (cut into long strips aka as julienne)
• 2 cups cooked soba noodles (about 4 ounces uncooked)
• 4 teaspoons chopped unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts (optional)
• Lime wedges (optional)

Get your sauce pan hot on medium high temperature add sesame oil, red onion, ginger and bay leaf. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes add the garlic and sauté the garlic no longer than a minute (do not let the garlic burn).

Next combine all of the next 7 ingredients. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the water in last (little at a time). The water is to thin it out because it will be thick from the peanut butter but yet you don’t want your sauce too thin. Simmer for a few minutes.

Lower temperature and add lime juice, basil, green onions and cilantro. This is where you want to taste it. If you want it saltier add soy sauce, if you want spicier add more chili sauce or sriracha. Remove from heat, and add carrots, bell pepper and soba noodles. Serve immediately. Garnish with lime wedges, chopped peanuts and cilantro.