Lebanese-inspired Toshikoshi Soba

Ingredients

In this Lebanese-inspired adaptation of Toshikoshi Soba, we incorporate Lebanese spices and flavors to give the dish a unique twist. The traditional Japanese soba noodles are paired with aromatic Lebanese spices, such as cumin, coriander, and sumac, to create a fusion of flavors. Additionally, we use ingredients commonly found in Lebanese cuisine, such as olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs, to add a refreshing and tangy element to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Toshikoshi soba, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) soba noodles 250g (8.8 oz) soba noodles
• 200g (7 oz) chicken breast or beef, thinly sliced 200g (7 oz) chicken breast or beef, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon sumac 1 teaspoon sumac
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, zucchini), thinly sliced 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, zucchini), thinly sliced
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced chicken or beef to the pan and cook until browned.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the ground cumin, ground coriander, sumac, salt, and pepper over the meat and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
5. 5.
   Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and cook until they are tender-crisp.
6. 6.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, chopped parsley, and chopped mint to make the dressing.
7. 7.
   Add the cooked soba noodles to the pan and pour the dressing over them. Toss everything together until well combined.
8. 8.
   Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
9. 9.
   Serve the Lebanese-inspired Toshikoshi Soba hot, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Soba noodles — Cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions, but make sure not to overcook them as they can become mushy. Rinse them under cold water after cooking to remove excess starch and prevent sticking.
• Sumac — Sumac is a tangy spice commonly used in Lebanese cuisine. It adds a unique citrusy flavor to the dish. If you can't find sumac, you can substitute it with a combination of lemon zest and a pinch of paprika.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken or beef with tofu or tempeh.
• Customize the vegetable selection based on seasonal availability and personal preference.
• Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences.
• Serve the dish with a side of pickled vegetables for a traditional Lebanese touch.

Serving advice

Serve the Lebanese-inspired Toshikoshi Soba hot as a main course. Garnish with extra fresh herbs, such as parsley and mint, for a vibrant presentation. This dish pairs well with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables.

Presentation advice

Present the Lebanese-inspired Toshikoshi Soba in a shallow bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables and herbs to shine through. Drizzle a little extra dressing on top and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch.