lo mein

i've never really been a fan of take-out lo mein.  it always looks so oily and super soy saucy (which means way too salty for me).  i have no idea why, but i had a serious craving for it a couple of weeks ago.  have you ever had that - where you absolutely must have something and you can't think about anything else until you get it?  it was that kind of  lo mein craving.  so i promptly bought some noodles and set out to make some miss v lo mein.

• 10 oz. lo mein noodles
• 5 button mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 bell pepper, julienned
• 1 cup chopped napa cabbage, or bok choy
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup veggie broth
• 2 tablespoons nama shoyu or lite soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

bring water to boil in a large pot and cook noodles for 3 minutes (or according to package directions). drain and rinse with cool water.  heat wok to 375°f  and sauté the garlic in the sesame oil.  once garlic is browned, add in sliced cabbage, veggie broth and nama shoyu.  stir fry the cabbage for 2-3 minutes, keeping the lid on the majority of the time.  next, add in red pepper flakes, red bell pepper, carrots and mushrooms.  continue to stir fry for 3-4 minutes. once veggies are tender, but still a little crisp, add lo mein noodles to the wok and toss with veggies for about 1 minute.  sprinkle a little extra low sodium soy and a dash of sesame oil at the very end.

makes approximately three generous servings.