Soba Noodle and Veggie Salad

After my last softball season, I decided something a little less intense was more my speed.

People were just getting way to aggressive for a Tuesday night action sports league.

My teammates were getting hurt, jackholes were heckling to the point where I got angry and I was nervous I’d mess up or get hit by a line drive every time I took the field.

Basically, it wasn’t worth interrupting my Tuesday night cooking engagement.

So to fulfill my need for something mildly athletic and even less competitive, Wes and I joined a kickball league on Monday nights.

The team we play on is super fun, the field is really close to Wes’s house and I am no longer worried I’m going to hurt myself when I’m playing.

Plus, we drink way more beer. Which is always awesome in my book.

Basically, it is way better in my mind than softball. But, I have learned a valuable lesson in the four games we have played so far.

No matter what you are doing, if winning or losing is at option, people are going to act like jackholes.

Seriously dude who is thirty-five and is dressed like a fairy and is on a team called The Golden Showers? You are really going to yell at an innocent player from some other team who is reffing your game because you got called out at third base in kickball??? KICKBALL? REALLY?!

Yes. Jackholes all around us.

Luckily I didn’t encounter any when Wes and I reffed last night.

That might have only been because we knew people on both teams.

Helps to know people in high places. Like shortstop.

So here is a dish that is the exact opposite of a jackhole. It’s reliable, enjoyable and it will not yell at you if you win, lose or don’t tag up after a pop fly.

You will need…

¼ cup sesame seeds

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup edamame

2 cups broccoli

1 bundle soba noodles

2 bullion cubes

4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

6 tablespoons soy sauce

2 teaspoons raw cane sugar

2 tablespoons sesame oil

Start by bringing a large pot of water to boil with the bullion cubes in it.

While the water is waiting boil, heat a sauté pan over medium heat.

When it is hot, add the sesame seeds to the pan and lightly toast them for about 2 minutes.

Then add in the peas and garlic.

After about a minute, add in the broccoli and edamame.

Cover and cook or about 5 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil.

Whisk the mixture well.

At this time the water should be boiling. Add in the noodles and cook per the cooking instructions.

Remove the lid from the veggie pan and make sure the broccoli is cooked to your liking.

When the noodles are cooked, drain the water.

In a salad bowl, combine the noodles and the sauce.

Finally, add in the sautéed veggies, toss and serve hot or cooled.

Boom. Kicked that one out of the park.

Love and Beer Floats

Angela