Thursday, March 29, 2007

pasta salad with broccoli and peanuts

it's sad to say, but food network has jumped the shark.
not to worry though, there's plenty of excellent food programming out there. just check out pbs for everyday food, gourmet's diary of a foodie, food trip with todd english america's test kitchen, lidia's family table and the travel channel for anthony bourdain: no reservations and bizarre foods.

pasta salad is a great spring & summer food. the bite from the rice vinegar is cut nicely by the peanut butter and i like the very slight heat the chili flake gives it. i changed it a bit from the original version.

pasta salad with broccoli and peanuts
(from everyday food)


1 lb pasta (i used gnocchi shaped by barilla)
2 lbs broccoli (about 2 heads)
3 tbs olive oil
1 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 c brown rice vinegar
2 tbs smooth peanut butter (use krema!)
3 tbs soy sauce

1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced crosswise
1/2 c roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped

cook pasta, drain, rinse and set aside
chop broccoli, including stems
heat oil and pepper flakes in a large saute pan
add broccoli & 3/4 cup water and cook covered until tender crisp (6-8 min)
uncover and cook until water evaporates (2-4 min)
in a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, peanut butter & soy sauce
add pasta, broccoli, scallions & peanuts
refrigerate

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