Chap Chae -Cellophane Noodles With Mixed Vegetables

Bring something a little different to your holiday meal: These refreshing, easy-to-prepare Asian noodles make a versatile side or main dish.

Yield:

Serves 4

Ingredients

1. 5 to 6 oz very thin bean thread noodles (in small skeins, also known as cellophane, glass, or mung bean noodles)
2. 1/2 cup tamari (wheat-free sauce from refined soy)
3. 3 tablespoons Asian sesame oil
4. 3 tablespoons sugar
5. 1 tablespoon chopped garlic (2 cloves)
6. 1 tablespoon safflower oil
7. 1 medium onion, sliced lengthwise 1/8 inch thick (1 1/2 cups)
8. 3 medium carrots, cut into 1/8-inch-thick matchsticks (2 inches long)
9. 1/4 lb mushrooms, trimmed and sliced 1/8 inch thick (1 1/2 cups)
10. 3 cups baby spinach (2 1/2 oz)

Directions

1. Soak noodles in a bowl of warm water to cover until softened, about 10 minutes, then drain in a colander. Cook noodles in a 3- to 4-quart pot of boiling water until tender, about 2 minutes, then drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool.
2. Blend tamari, sesame oil, sugar, and garlic in a blender until smooth.
3. Heat safflower oil in a deep 12-inch heavy skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke, then stir-fry onion and carrots until onion is softened, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and stir-fry until softened, about 3 minutes. Add spinach and stir-fry 30 seconds, then add noodles and tamari mixture and toss to coat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of liquid is absorbed, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a shallow serving dish and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Chap chae can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.