Mango & Avocado Soba Noodle Bowl
When I used to live with housemates we had a common (unspoken) understanding. It was OK to eat each other’s Vegemite, you could borrow a can of chickpeas or a few cups of pasta without asking, and the 1kg tub of hummus that lived perennially in the fridge was available to anyone game enough to eat it. But there were two ingredients that - if they weren’t yours - could never, I repeat NEVER be eaten, nibbled or borrowed: fresh avocados, and mangoes.
There’s just something about perfectly ripe avocados and mangoes that demands respect. And there is a special spot in hell reserved for anyone who dares pick a homegrown avocado or mango off a tree that isn’t theirs. Is it because they’re so heavy? Or so pricey? Or because they’re just friggin’ delicious? I suspect the latter. Either way, they are the superheroes of this dish and are well deserving of a spot on your summertime table. As long as your housemates don’t get to them first.
Mango & Avocado Soba Noodle Bowl
Serves 2
Ingredients
200g of dry Soba noodles
1 large avocado, diced into cubes
1 large mango, diced into cubes
1 red chilli, thinly sliced
2 tsp black sesame seeds
2 tsp white sesame seeds
2 Tbsp fresh coriander, roughly chopped
For the dressing
2 Tbsp sesame oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 Tbsp ponzu sauce
1⁄2 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp tamari
1⁄2 tsp caster sugar
1 tsp finely grated brown onion
For the crispy topping
3 Tbsp olive oil
1⁄2 a brown onion, very thinly sliced
5 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
Method
Cook the Soba noodles according to the instructions on the packet. Drain and leave to cool to room temperature.
In a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients for the dressing until well combined.
For the crispy topping, warm 3 Tbsp of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan, then add the brown onion and garlic. Fry until onion and garlic have turned brown and become crisp.
Put the cooked noodles, avocado, mango, chilli, sesame seeds and coriander in a large bowl. Pour over the dressing and toss gently to combine. Serve topped with the crispy onion and garlic.