2272. SOBA NOODLES with BACON and SWISS CHARD

6 oz Soba noodles
4 oz bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2” slices
thinly sliced leeks about 1/4 cup (substitute with red onion)
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 large bunch of Swiss chard, stemmed and chopped, about 3 cups
1 tablespoon tamari sauce/light soy sauce
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
salt and pepper to taste

Cook the soba noodles according to the directions on the packet. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid. Rinse well with cold water and drain and keep aside.

In a large heavy pan, cook bacon for about 6 minutes until crisp. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain. Pour out all but 2 tbsp of bacon fat from the pan. Add onion or leek to the pan and saute over medium heat for about 6 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and Swiss chard and season with salt and pepper. Add the reserved liquid to the pan and toss till the chard is tender and wilted. Add the tamari sauce and cook for one more minute.

Add the cooked noodles and toasted sesame oil to the pan and toss to coat. Garnish with chives or green onions and serve hot.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Live to Eat, May 4, 2008