Authentic Sesame Noodles

There are many versions of sesame noodles on 'zaar. This version is an authentic version that would be used in Japan. The preperation is fiddly but really makes a diference to your dish. This is ideal to serve at an Asian themed dinner party.

• Ready In: 1 hr 25 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• For the shitake dashi

• 8  dried shiitake mushrooms
• 1  inch  kombu seaweed
• 900  ml water

• For the sesame dressing

• 750  ml  shitake  stock
• 300  ml soy sauce
• 250  g granulated sugar
• 230  ml rice vinegar
• 40  ml  sesame oil
• 2  inches gingerroot, grated

• For the noodles

• 200  g  soba noodles
• 1  cucumber
• 2  tomatoes, sliced
• 1⁄2 head iceberg lettuce
• 2  tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Directions

1. For the stock:
2. put all the ingredients in a pan and bring to the boil. When boiling remove seaweed. Simmer for 40 minutes, strain and cool.
3. For the dressing:
4. Boil the prepared stock and add the soy, vinegar and and sugar - stir until dissolved. Add ginger and the sesame oil. The dressing is ready and can be stored in the fridge for upto six weeks.
5. For the noodles:
6. Cook the noodles in boiling water until tender. (note - soba noodles tend to boil quite violently so have a jug of water on hand to arrest the boil) Rinse the noodles in cold water and add the vegetables and dressing and toss until coated.
7. The dish can also be adapted for a non veggie by adding some chopped chicken, ham or salmon.