Gomasio & Avocado Soba Noodles

Soba noodles, made of buckwheat flour, is thought to have originated in China and been brought to Japan around 2,500 years ago. Buckwheat is a highly nutritious grain, especially rich in vitamin B. The flour is produced including the skin of the grain, so that the flour takes on a unique flavor and turns a grayish color. This kind of flour is usually used to make the soba that is so popular in Japanese cuisine. Throughout Japanese culture, soba has been regarded as a frugal but special meal. Historically, people ate Soba noodles at the end of each month, called Misoka-soba, since Misoka means ‘the last day of a month’. Misoka-soba was eaten to celebrate another month of working hard and having good health. Soba noodles are traditionally served either chilled with a variety of toppings, or in hot broth as a noodle soup. Many people think that the best way to experience the unique texture of hand-made soba noodles is to eat them cold, since letting them soak in hot broth changes their consistency. We serve our chilled, tossed with a viniagrette and topped with crunchy, spicy and slightly salty gomasio- perfect for a light, spring dish.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 2  ripe avocados
• 1  lb  uncooked  soba noodles (substitutes -- raw zucchini noodles, rice noodles)
• 1  cup  shredded carrot
• 1  medium cucumber, thinly sliced
• 6  radishes, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Cook soba noodles as directed on package. Once cooked, drain immediately and rinse with cold water until cooled.
2. Transfer to serving bowl and combine cooled noodles with chopped carrots, cucumber and radishes.
3. Combine soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil and crushed garlic in small bowl.
4. Toss viniagrette with cooled noodles and vegetables.
5. Top with chopped avocado and freshly ground spicy gomasio.
6. Serve alongside grilled pork tenderloin. Enjoy!