One of my favorite easy dinners to make on busy nights is a bowl full of extra saucy peanut noodles. It’s a recipe I’ve been making since my early days of cooking, though over time I’ve really simplified the ingredient list and process. Recently, however, I’ve been enjoying incorporating tahini (ground up sesame seeds) into more recipes. Not only is tahini a great alternative for anyone with peanut allergies, it’s also just as delicious as peanut butter. Of course, the flavors are different, but each is special and unique in their own way. Tahini is much more of a neutral flavor and can be used in a variety of recipes. I’ve been getting creative with it and using tahini to create creamy salad dressings and sauces. But I’ve yet to do the obvious and make a saucy tahini noodle. Until now. And you guys? While these noodles took some extra effort to perfect, they’re insanely delicious, super easy, and healthy too. If I wasn’t in LA tonight, I would surely be making a bowl on my Instagram stories…but don’t worry, as soon as I return home I will. I am already looking forward to it. These noodles are so good. The perfect warm, saucy, but healthy noodles to enjoy while cozied on the couch after a day of travel.
Here are the steps.
This recipe comes together quickly and requires a base of mostly pantry staple ingredients…with the addition of sweet potatoes, greens, fresh basil, and cilantro. You’ll want to start with the sweet potatoes, as they take the longest time to cook. But while the potatoes roast, get to work on the noodles. The noodles come together in minutes and require almost no cooking. Once the potatoes are done, toss on the greens, and put it all together. Simple. Simple.
Now, let me tell you about the sweet potatoes…
These sweet potatoes are extra special. I didn’t just roast them with salt and pepper. Instead, I decided to roast them the addition of sweet honey and spicy chili flakes. You guys know me and you know my favorite combo is salty, spicy, plus just a little sweet. So this is a very natural pairing for me. As the sweet potatoes roast, the honey caramelizes on the edges creating the perfect crispy on the outside, but soft (almost buttery) inside. Truth? The sweet potatoes alone are reason enough to make this recipe. I find them to be addictingly delicious. My best piece of advice when it comes to the sweet potatoes? Double this portion of the recipe. Honestly…these sweet potato rounds are like candy, you won’t be able to stop eating them.
While the potatoes roast, make the noodles.
The base of the noodles is made up of mostly pantry staple ingredients…tahini, soy sauce, chili paste, and plenty of ginger and garlic. It’s blended together, tossed over warm rice noodles, and finished with a touch of lime juice, fresh basil and plenty of cilantro too. The tahini keeps the sauce creamy and slightly nutty, while the soy sauce adds just the right amount of saltiness. I find the fresh herbs to really tie everything together and complete the Asian inspired flavors.
Finish it up…
Finish this dish up with my favorite toppings…sliced cucumber, toasted sesame seeds, roasted peanuts, green onions, and a touch more cilantro, plus a little lime juice too. It’s fresh, but cozy, and the easiest 30 minute dinner to make any night of the week. The added bonus to this recipe is that these noodles are great when enjoyed warmed or cold. This makes them perfect for Sunday meal prep or just enjoying the leftovers for lunch the following day. I don’t love using the word perfect, but this recipe is pretty close to it. It’s heavy on the noodles and sauce, a little spicy, but balanced with the perfect amount of sweetness and crispiness from the sweet potatoes. It’s made extra colorful (and healthy) with a good amount of greens. An all-around simple and easy dish to create. As I like to say, nothing not to love! So…how about Thursday Night Noodles with a side of sweet potatoes? Mmmm!
Lastly, if you make these Saucy Tahini Noodles with Honey’d Sweet Potatoes, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
