Spicy Peanut Noodles

• BASIC-EASY
• FAST
• STAFF-FAVORITE
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1 pound spaghetti
2. 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
3. 1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
4. 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon sugar
5. 6 tablespoons soy sauce
6. 1/4 cup water
7. 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
8. 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
9. One 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped
10. 1 large garlic clove
11. 3 celery ribs, thinly sliced
12. 1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems
13. Lime wedges, for serving

1. In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled. Drain well.
2. In a blender, puree the peanut butter with 6 tablespoons of the vinegar, 3 tablespoons of the sugar, the soy sauce, water, sesame oil, crushed red pepper, ginger and garlic. Transfer 1/2 cup of the peanut dressing to a bowl and toss with the noodles.
3. In another bowl, toss the celery with the cilantro and the remaining 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
4. Transfer the noodles to bowls and drizzle with the remaining peanut dressing. Top with the celery and serve with lime wedges.