Pass the pasta

GREAT FOR PICNICS: Peanut and sesame pasta salad.

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This complete protein salad is great for picnics, barbecues and lunchboxes. I like to keep a jar of the versatile dressing in the fridge which can be used to jazz up salad greens or steamed vegetables. This salad works well with any season's vegetables - try roasted autumn vegetables doused with the dressing and pasta. Pressed or roasted tofu may also be added.

Peanut and sesame pasta salad

3 cups pasta, cooked in salted water

3 cups vegetables (asparagus, courgettes, carrots, broccoli, bok choi, etc) blanched, then refreshed in cold water and strained to retain colour and crunch

1/2 cup peanuts, roasted and crushed witha rolling pin

1/2 cup radish, finely sliced into matchsticks

1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted in a pan over low heat

Dressing:

3 Tbsp peanut butter

3 Tbsp boiling water

2 tsp miso paste

3 tsp brown sugar

1 1/2 Tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated

3 Tbsp each Braggs Liquid Aminos seasoning or Tamari, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil

1 tsp hing (asafoedita)

To taste: freshly ground black pepper, salt and chilli powder

Place the salad ingredients in a bowl then toss through with the salad dressing.

Dressing: Dissolve peanut butter with boiling water. Add remaining ingredients, mix well andseason to taste.

- © Fairfax NZ News