FOOD

FOOD [ HOME [ CULTURE [ TRAVEL

CO-ORDINATED BY SARAH HAMILTON-WALKER

FAMILY FUEL

With the new academic year almost upon us, the whole family need to fuel their bodies and brains – and with these wholesome, fussfree dishes from Claire Thomson, even the busiest of households can eat well every day

COLD UDON GINGER NOODLES

Serves 4 Takes 20-25 minutes

“If you asked my kids what their favourite packed lunch was, all three would say cold noodles.

They are the antidote to the endless run of sandwiches. Shichimi togarashi is an essential Japanese seasoning and is available online and in bigger supermarkets.”

INGREDIENTS

• 400g/14oz udon noodles

• 2 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil

• 2 tsp sesame oil

• 3 tbsp sesame seeds, lightly toasted

• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce

• 2 tsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp dark brown soft sugar

• 2 tbsp finely grated ginger root

• 1 clove garlic, crushed

• 3 tbsp sesame paste or tahini

• 1 cucumber, peeled and cut into thin strips or slices

• ½ bunch of spring onions, thinly sliced

• 2-3 tsp shichimi togarashi (optional)