Tahini Noodles with Smacked Cucumbers

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Ingredients:

FOR THE CUCUMBERS:

• 2 Cucumbers

• 2 Large Cloves of Garlic

• 2 Red Chillies

• 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce

• 1 Tbsp Chinese Black Vinegar or Rice Vinegar

• 2 Tsp Toasted Sesame Oil

• 2 Tsp Sugar

FOR THE NOODLES:

• 2 Cloves of Garlic

• 100g Tahini

• 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce

• 2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil

• 2 Tbsp Chinese Black Vinegar or Rice Vinegar

• 2 Tbsp Sugar

• 2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds

• 1 Tbsp Chilli Oil

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Directions:

1. Trim the ends of the cucumbers. Using the flat blade of your knife or a rolling pin, gently smack the cucumbers until they split then slice into small chunks.

2. Transfer to a sieve placed over a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and toss well to coat. Leave to sit for 10 minutes to release some of the cucumber water.

3. Meanwhile, mince the garlic and red chilli.

4. Transfer to a mixing bowl and add the soy sauce, black vinegar, toasted sesame oil and sugar.

5. Add the cucumbers, toss well to coat and set aside.

6. For the Noodles: Mince the garlic. Place the tahini in a large mixing bowl with the garlic, soy sauce, black vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sugar, toasted sesame seeds, chilli oil and 50ml water. Whisk until smooth.

7. Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Season with salt, add the soba noodles and cook according to the packet instructions.

8. Drain, rinse with cold water and drain again.

9. Add the noodles to the tahini sauce, along with the smacked cucumbers, juices included. Toss to combine, ensuring the noodles are saucy and well-coated.

10. Transfer to a large plate, top with more sesame seeds then tuck in and enjoy.

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