Red Curry Peanut Noodles

• Recipe by Melissa Rubel

Whole-wheat spaghetti is one of Melissa Rubel's favorite pastas because it is a good source of fiber and has an appealing chewiness. Here, she updates sesame noodles, a Chinese take-out classic, by giving the peanut sauce a hit of fiery red curry paste.

Ingredients

1. 3/4 pound whole-wheat spaghetti
2. 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
3. 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
4. 1 tablespoon red curry paste
5. 1/3 cup chicken stock or low-sodium broth
6. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed cilantro leaves
7. Kosher salt
8. 1 cup mung bean sprouts (2 1/2 ounces)
9. 2 scallions, white and green parts quartered and thinly sliced lengthwise
10. 1 carrot, coarsely grated
11. 1/3 cup salted, roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
12. Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti until it is al dente. Drain the spaghetti and rinse under cold water until cool. Drain very well.
2. Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the peanut butter with the lime juice, red curry paste, stock and 1/4 cup of the cilantro leaves and puree. Season the sauce with salt.
3. In a large bowl, toss the spaghetti with the peanut sauce, bean sprouts, scallions and carrot until well coated. Season with salt. Transfer to bowls and sprinkle with the remaining cilantro leaves and the peanuts. Serve with lime wedges.