Peanut Vermicelli

Peanut Vermicelli is a delightful noodle dish bursting with rich, creamy flavors and a touch of spice. Perfect as a quick side dish or a satisfying main meal when paired with cooked chicken, this recipe combines the nutty goodness of peanut butter with aromatic spices, coconut milk, and tender rice vermicelli noodles.

I once worked beside a little-known, but top-notch take-out café called The Five Senses. Many times a week, I'd wander over at noon to see what the chef was cooking in his kitchen. Even though he worked in the kitchen alone, he was able to create delicious food.

The one thing I ordered anytime it was on the lunch menu was this Peanut Vermicelli. I'd buy extra at noon just to take it home to have for supper. One day, I boldly asked him for the recipe, which he scribbled on a scrap piece of paper for me, without measurements for some of the ingredients.

After some tweaking, I've come up with the quantities that I like. It remains a favorite side dish or even a main dish when I add cooked chicken.

Recipe: Peanut Vermicelli

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:
1 cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth)
1 (14-ounce or 398 mL) can coconut milk
1 teaspoon curry powder
½ tablespoon fresh gingerroot, minced
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons soya sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 16-ounce package dried rice vermicelli
Peanuts for garnish

Instructions:

To Prepare and Serve Immediately:

1. Heat all sauce ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Stir until well-blended and warm.
2. Follow the package directions to cook the dried rice vermicelli.
3. Combine the cooked vermicelli with the sauce. Garnish with peanuts and serve hot or cold.

To Freeze the Sauce:

1. Allow the sauce to cool completely. Transfer to a container or food storage bag and freeze. (Cook the vermicelli fresh when ready to serve.)
2. Recommended freezing time: 6-12 months.

To Prepare After Freezing:

1. Thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Cook the dried rice vermicelli according to package instructions.
3. Warm the sauce, mix with the noodles, and serve.

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