Two & A Knife

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So I had a hankering for a soba salad. For the unfamiliar soba is a thin noodle made with buckwheat not to be confused for this thicker cousin udon. I realized I was out of noodles. I tend to go through a lot of them. So I thought no worries ill hit the grocery store in the morning get my noodles and come prep my salad. Well when I got to the grocery store I got a cart ( first mistake) since I’m only there for like 4 things , realized I forgot to make a list on the actual stuff I need ( second mistake ) and proceeded to fill my cart with whatever my little heart desired.

Now while I was at the store I proceeded to remind myself several times ” don’t forget the soba” which I assured myself I wouldn’t. I mean I came to the store FOR soba. Until I remember Ginger! I have to remember to get ginger. So I take a detour back to produce because in my mind if I do this right I can hit produce then aisle 10 with pasta and go straight to the check out to force me to stop shopping. Needless to say I took the scenic route back to produce grabbing and looking at everything.

At produce there was no ginger, nobody to ask about ginger. I was in this alone. I noticed they had minced ginger in a squeeze tube in the cold section next to dried herbs but holy cow was it marked up! I’m in need. I had to get it. As I was leaving the produce aisle to continue with my initial plan. Another giant squeeze tube of ginger caught my eye but this one was on a shelf. Confused, I read the back of both to compare ingredients. With the only difference one having vinegar ( I’m guessing to keep it shelf stable ) and the other didn’t. It was the half the price. Still confused I chalked it up to the one from the cold section being obviously magical because that is the ONLY way they are justifying the price on it. I head to the check out proud of my ginger find. Load my groceries into the car. Only to realize I forgot the soba.
Letting out a audible sigh. I hoof it back into the store. Only to be greeted with a ” You’re back?!” while I’m just like ” Yes, yes its me again.” I get to aisle 10. Get my soba, get to the checkout and they both have the longest lines I ever seen. Self check out just as long. Some of those machines are down too. The entire time thinking how much I hate self check out. So I get home, make my soba salad and reflect on a couple things.

1. Don’t go to the store without a list again
2. Why the heck was the magic ginger so expensive
3. Why is this called a salad?
4. I hate self checkout

All in all totally worth it!

I love a good eventful shopping trip but geez! Wishing you guys cheap ginger. Let me know how you like it!

Ingredients

• 8oz soba noodles
• 2Tb soy sauce
• 2tsp grated ginger
• 1Tb chili paste
• 2tsp rice wine vinegar
• 1tsp honey
• 2tsp fresh garlic, minced
• 1/2c red cabbage, shaved
• 1 cucumber, ribboned or thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/4c grated carrot
• 1Tb cilantro
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2Tb sesame seeds

Directions

• Bring a pot of water to a boil, season heavily with salt. Cook soba according to package instructions.
• To make the sauce combine soy sauce, ginger, chili paste, rice wine vinegar, honey and garlic.
• Once the noodles are done combine the noodles with cabbage, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, cilantro, and green onions.
• Toss with the sauce and sesame seeds. Serve chilled.