Hot for Food Vegan Comfort Classics

COLD CUCUMBER- CHILE NOODLES
Makes 4 to 6 servings  

1 pound thick flat rice noodles 
2 English cucumbers 
2 green onions, white and green parts, finely sliced diagonally 
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil 
2 tablespoons sesame seeds 
1 4 to 1 2 teaspoon sea salt 
4 tablespoons chile oil 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. If your rice noodles already contain salt, do not add salt to the water. Cook the noodles until al dente, approximately 6 minutes. 

Meanwhile, cut the cucumber into ribbons using a vegetable peeler or slice very thin using a mandolin. 

Drain the noodles, rinse under cool water, and place in a large bowl. Toss with the cucumber ribbons, green onions, sesame oil, sesame seeds (reserving 1 teaspoon for garnish), and 1 4 teaspoon of the salt (more to taste, if necessary). Divide among serving plates. 

Drizzle each portion with 1 tablespoon of the chile oil (or use more sesame oil if you don t want spice) and garnish with the remaining sesame seeds. You can also toss the noodles in only the sesame oil, salt, and sesame seeds, leaving the cucumber ribbons and green onions to place on top of the noodles in each serving. I think this looks prettier! 

If you have leftovers, soften the noodles by heating them with a bit of water in a covered pan or heat in a microwave. Drain any excess water before serving. 

LAUREN TOYOTA is a former MTV Canada host and a YouTube sensation. Her channel and blog, hot for food, attract a wide and engaged audience of young people curious about how to make vegan food fast and fun.  In less than two years, her YouTube channel has gained over 391,000 subscribers. She lives in Toronto, Canada.