rice noodles with coconut-bean sauce

this was another recipe from the cooking classes, i also learned how to make thai curry paste from scratch. can't wait to try that out. :)  since its the boyf and i, i usually halve recipes so there's just enough for us and a little bit left over for lunch.  because lets be honest, you can only eat sandos so many days in a row.  

rice noodles with coconut-bean sauce

adapted from dana treat

ingredients:

8 oz. rice noodles  

2 tbsp. vegetable oil *or any neutral oil, but not olive oil it doesn't mix well with the thai flavors

1 large shallot, minced

2 cans light coconut milk 

2~3 tbsp. black bean sauce 

8 oz firm tofu *chicken or ship would work too2 zucchini, cut into sticks

1 tbsp. tamarind sauce *found at asian grocery stores or substitute lim juice 

2 tbsp. brown sugar

red pepper flakes, depends on how hot you want it

3 scallions, thinly sliced

2 cups bean sprouts

2 tbsp. soy sauce

coarsely chopped cilantro 

coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

directions:

put the dried rice noodles in a bowl, soak in hot water for 15 minutes and boil a pot of water.  drain the noodles and cook until tender 2~3 minutes.  i can not stress enough to rinse them thoroughly with cold water.  you'll thank me later.  by the way, did your noodles have directions on them?  'cause mine definitely did not.

if you're an efficient cook you'd be prepping the vegetables for the next step.  oh but not me, i decided to take a break and watch some more of the hills.

heat a large saute pan and when hot pour in the oil and add shallots.  if you're going to add chicken instead of tofu add it now.  god forbid if the boyf had to eat tofu.  he'd throw a fit.  its like he was never forced to eat vegetarian food for the first 6 months we were dating.  he may or may not have converted me.  now add the coconut milk and bring to a gentle boil and simmer until it thickens a bit 3~5 minutes.

add the bean sauce, tofu & zucchini and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  add the tamarind, sugar, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and scallions.  stir and cook for an additional 5 minutes.  add the noodles.  did you wash them?  if you didn't you'll probably start cursing right about now.  add bean sprouts and soy sauce.  and mix together.  the dish will be pretty saucy, if you like it that way eat now and have it more like a soup or let it stand for 5 minutes to absorb some of the sauce.  if you prefer it to be less brothy i think you could use just one can of coconut milk and cut the brown sugar in half.  

serves 6~8