Soba and Swiss Chard Noodles

I invented this dish one night when I needed something fast and easy. I was thinking pasta originally but was out of pasta noodles. I saw we had some soba noodles though and my mind went to Japanese style flavors. I had all the ingredients for an easy Japanese sauce. I also had some Swiss chard and green onions from my garden to make it more nutritious and flavorful. I threw it all together, and it turned out amazing! For what started as a make-it-up-as-I-go-along dish may now become a new rotational dinner staple for me.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp Chinese wine
• 1 tsp raw or brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp black pepper or red pepper flakes
• 4oz dried soba noodles
• 4oz Swiss chard cut into strips to mimic noodles
• 1-2 diced green onions (enough for about 2 tbsp)

Directions

• Mix all the ingredients except noodles, greens, and onions in a bowl and set aside.
• Boil water in a 2 quart or larger pot. Add the soba noodles and cook according to the directions.
• Halfway through cooking, add the Swiss chard strips to soften them.
• Once the soba noodles finish cooking, drain the noodles and chard using a colander.
• Transfer back into the pot or into a serving bowl.
• Add the sauce and half the green onions and toss until evenly coated.
• Serve by garnishing the bowl with the remaining green onions.