Sesame Soba Noodles Serves 4 Japanese soba noodles are made with buckwheat -- a nutritious grain that's high in protein, calcium, iron and B vitamins. Use any vegetables you have on hand to make this quick and easy "steam-fry."

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 to 8 minutes

8 ounces soba
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
1 quarter-size piece of gingerroot, grated
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1/2 cup carrots, julienned
1/2 cup red bell pepper, julienned
4 tablespoons water
1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup broccoli florets
4 tablespoons tamari
1/4 cup scallions, julienned

1. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add soba and cook 4 to 6 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

2.Heat sesame oil in a large skillet. Add onions, ginger and sesame seeds and sauté until onions are translucent and sesame seeds pop and turn golden. Add carrots, peppers and 2 tablespoons water. Cover and steam 2 minutes. Add mushrooms, spinach, broccoli and 2 more tablespoons water. Steam 1 minute more.

3. Add soba and tamari to vegetables. Stir and continue to steam-fry until noodles are hot. Top with scallions before serving.