Finally! The Soap Winner and Larb Na (or Nua?)

An adapted Larb Na

Geez, I can't believe the 20th came and went I didn't draw a winner! Sorry about that...I just haven't been on the computer much. So just now I wrote all the names on little slips of paper and had Jim draw....the winner is Vegan Noodle! I'll send you note right after I make this post. The prize is 5 bars of handmade soap. The contest was a lot of fun and maybe I'll do them more often. Thank you to all six of you who entered! I wish I could send every one of you a prize.

Lazy Smurf posted this awesome looking recipe for Larb Na. I'd never even heard of it and suddenly I wanted it for dinner. Be sure to check her site for the original...mine was an adaptation because I didn't have some of the ingredients. And of course, I had a couple vegetables that I wanted to use. Even with my changes, it was wonderful! I wanted to have it again for the next 3 days!

I checked around on the net and couldn't find larb na. I did find a larb nua, but wasn't really sure it it was the same thing. As much as I love Asian food, the names of it really trip me. If you know the real story, enlighten me!

In the meantime, here's my version.

Larb Na with thanks to Lazy Smurf!
1 # rice noodles (I used linguini)
2 Tbsp peanut oil ( I used less)
1 # tofu, drained and pressed
1 bunch of greens (I used bok choy and added sugar snaps)
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 Tbsp sugar
4 Tbsp tamari
1 Tbsp stir fry sauce
1 Tbsp black bean paste
1 tsp chili oil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 Tbsp sherry
1 Tbsp hoisin
white pepper
1/4 cup broth with 1 Tbsp cornstarch

Do the noodles however the package says, drain and set aside.

Mix all the sauce ingredients from the sugar through the hoisin in a small bowl and set aside. If you've got some cool asian sauce ingredients in your fridge that differ from mine, use those instead. I pretty much used some of nearly everything I had.

Mix the broth with the cornstarch and set aside.

Heat the oil in the wok and stir fry the tofu (cut however you like) until lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside. Add the greens or whatever vegetables you are using to the wok. When they start to cook a little, add the garlic. Add the noodles and the tofu back to the wok. Add the mixed sauce ingredients and stir together. Then add the broth/cornstarch, stir and cook for a couple more minutes. I topped it with sesame seeds and green onions....and it was delicious!

Tonight's dinner: Tacos, Fajitas, other Mexican snacks.. and bowling with friends!