Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS:l

• 8 oz Pasta (preferably buckwheat noodles or Chinese wheat noodles)
• 1 cup Peas

CHINESE TAHINI SAUCE:

• 1 tablespoon Tahini (sesame butter)
• 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
• 1 teaspoon Chili Paste with Garlic (hot)
• 1 teaspoon Minced Gingerroot
• 1 tablespoon Vegetable Stock or Water
• Dash of Freshly Ground Black Pepper

GARNISHES (optional):

• Scallion curls
• Fresh coriander sprigs
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Chopped dry-roasted unsalted peanuts

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, steam the peas until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the Chinese tahini sauce: tahini, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili paste with garlic, minced gingerroot, vegetable stock or water, and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Drain the cooked pasta well and toss it with the prepared dressing until coated.
5. Add the steamed peas to the pasta and toss again to combine.
6. If desired, top the pasta with garnishes such as scallion curls, fresh coriander sprigs, toasted sesame seeds, or chopped dry-roasted unsalted peanuts.
7. Serve the Chinese Tahini Pasta warm or at room temperature as a main dish or side dish.

Note:

• Saute 6 oz chopped spinach in 1 tablespoon safflower oil until limp; toss with noodles and sauce.
• Add or substitute other vegetables such as sauteed sliced mushrooms, blanched pea pods, sweet red peppers, steamed broccoli, steamed sliced carrots, or scallions. Adjust the amount of dressing if more vegetables are added.
• Chill the pasta or bring it to room temperature to serve as a refreshing pasta salad.

Here are some variations of the Chinese Tahini Pasta recipe:

1. Spicy Peanut Sauce: Instead of tahini, use peanut butter to make a creamy and nutty sauce. Add some sriracha or red pepper flakes to give it a spicy kick. Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro.
2. Sesame-Ginger Dressing: Enhance the flavors with a sesame-ginger dressing. Mix sesame oil, grated ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey for sweetness.
3. Vegetarian Option: Make it fully vegetarian by adding tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Marinate the tofu or tempeh in soy sauce and stir-fry until golden brown before adding to the pasta.
4. Sesame Seared Beef: Swap out the chicken for thin slices of seared beef. Marinate the beef in soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic before searing it in a hot pan.
5. Crunchy Vegetables: Add more vegetables for extra crunch and color. Consider using julienned carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, and shredded cabbage.
6. Sesame Seeds and Nori: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and crumbled nori seaweed on top for a unique texture and umami flavor.
7. Citrus Twist: Add a burst of citrus flavor by including orange or tangerine zest in the dressing.
8. Soba Noodles: Substitute soba noodles for regular pasta for a nutty and hearty alternative.
9. Soy-Glazed Mushrooms: Saute sliced mushrooms in a soy glaze until caramelized and tender, then mix them into the pasta.
10. Crushed Garlic: For a more pronounced garlic flavor, use crushed garlic instead of minced garlic in the dressing.