Simple Silly Sesame Stir-fry

Any person who knows and has been around kids, knows that they have this strange obsession for noodles, and especially noodles that are shaped like things!  Of course, as older, wiser beings, we know that for the most part, a noodle is a noodle, whether it's shaped like an airplane or a spiral!  However, as those older, wiser beings, we also know that if special-shaped noodles will get kids to eat without a fuss...those will be the noodles that we use for them...ALL THE TIME!  That's my reason for creating this Simple Silly Sesame Stir-fry...no fuss mealtimes, with a lot of things that kids love!

I love the Tinkyada brand of brown rice pasta for a couple of reasons:  1) it's gluten free, which is nice because a lot of people out there have huge intolerances to gluten, but don't know it...so whenever we can cut a little gluten out of our diets, we do!  2) the texture is indistinguishable between your average white flour-based pastas...which is awesome for those of us who have picky husbands/kids who don't really care for the gritty texture of the whole wheat pastas!  3) without all of the stripping and enriching, this pasta is a good source of iron, B vitamins and protein...why wouldn't you want to use it??  They make all sorts of varieties too, from lasagna noodles, jumbo shells for stuffing, spaghetti, and fun-shaped noodles for kids!

Prepare noodles according to the package (I will usually do the whole bag at once, and divide it up for different, quick and easy lunches...such as: spaghetti, the dish we'll be making today, tossed in a little extra virgin olive oil and some italian spices...vegan mac n "cheese"...)  Bottom line is, they'll get eaten, so you might as well make them up ahead of time!

-In a bowl with a lid combine:


2 c. cooked noodles
2 t. low sodium soy sauce (or 1 T.)
3 T. sesame oil
1/4 c. frozen peas (thawed by running them under warm water...takes like 2 seconds!)
1/8 c. raw shredded carrots (I just buy the organic matchstick ones)
1 T. sesame seeds

-cover and toss to coat (this is actually something that your kids may find fun to do, especially if they're in that "I want to help phase"!) 
-Getting your kids involved may generate interest in the things they eat, so let them dump in the carrots and peas, and sprinkle in the sesame seeds.  They'll get a sense of ownership of their meal, and you'd be amazed how this creates a very peaceful lunch/dinner time!
-I serve these noodles with a side of my Asian Sesame Broccoli (in a previous blog)...that way, you're kids are getting 3 types of veggies with their noodles...1 of which is raw! (the carrots of course)

-Note:  try the Asian Glazed Tempeh recipe from a previous blog as a great way to add protein to this meal!

My girls would eat this every day, and to be honest with you, sometimes I make up a huge batch, and let them eat it until they're sick of it!!  Don't feel guilty about craving this meal either...if it makes you feel more "adult" you could make it with some Udon or Yaki Soba noodles, and toss in some shredded Baby Bok Choy...you know, just to keep it adult!