Peanut Pasta

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4

Description
This is one of the easiest things I know how to make, but the ingredients make it seem sophisticated. You can serve this hot or cold, as a side dish or a main dish.

Ingredients

 * 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (spaghetti works well)
 * 1/2 cup smooth or crunchy peanut butter
 * 1/4 cup warm water
 * 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
 * 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
 * 1 tablespoon orange juice concentrate
 * 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or crushed red chilies (or adjust to taste)
 * 1 clove garlic (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
 * 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground ginger root (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
 * 1/4 cup frozen green peas, thawed)
 * 1 finely sliced scallion—both white and green parts (optional)
 * 1/4 cup grated carrot (optional)

Directions

 * 1) Prepare pasta according to directions on package.
 * 2) While pasta is cooking, mix together peanut butter, water, tamari or soy sauce, vinegar or lemon juice, cayenne pepper or crushed chilies and ginger in a blender or food processor. Mix until smooth, then set aside.
 * 3) Add peas to pasta pot one minute before pasta is finished cooking. Then, cook pasta for one more minute.
 * 4) Once pasta is finished, drain the noodles and peas, then place them in a bowl and mix them with sauce..Lastly, add scallion and carrot if you choose. Toss everything together. Pasta can be served warm or cold.