Intro to Cooking: Peanut Butter Noodles

By Michelle

Peanut butter. Who doesn’t love to eat it on a spoon in front of the TV the stuff? Ever since we were little kids we ate peanut butter cookies, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and if your mom really loved you, those peanut butter crackers that came in the plastic wrappers.

Peanut butter is one of the cheapest, healthiest foods out there. But by healthiest, I don’t mean low-calorie. Peanut butter is a great source of protein, vitamin E, niacin, folate, and manganese. The downside is that it is primarily fat (it isn’t called “butter” for nothing), so a tablespoon usually equals about a 100 calories, which is an awful lot. The secret is moderation.

For this week’s recipe, I decided to feature something very different and cool: peanut butter noodles. Asian inspired, totally tasty, and dorm friendly, it is a healthy, exciting snack you can whip up while cramming for that big exam the next morning. Ready to give something new a shot? Let’s go!

You’ll need:

- 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
- Your favorite spices. I like lots of pepper, roasted red pepper flakes, paprika, and some chives (easy to store in your dorm fridge, I promise), about a teaspoon each of whatever you choose.
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1-2 cups of cooked noodles (spaghetti noodles, egg noodles, chow mein noodles, etc.)
- About 1 cup of chicken or turkey, chopped up

How to make it:

1. Cook your noodles. Most noodles can actually be cooked in a microwave (make sure they’re in a microwave safe bowl!), but if you have access to a stove top, go for it.

2. In a smaller microwave safe bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, and your favorite spices. Microwave until the peanut butter is melty. Pour on top of the noodles and stir.

3. Chop up some pre-cooked chicken or turkey (available in the deli meats section of supermarkets) and add to the noodles.

4. Enjoy your easy, tasty, cheap, protein-packed dish!