SPINACH, ASPARAGUS & BLACK BEAN NOODLES

Step 1

Make the black sesame dressing by placing all the dressing ingredients into a small blender or food processor bowl. Blend for 1 minute until the sesame seeds start to break apart. Season to taste. Pour into a jug or bowl and set aside. The mix will appear brown and then thicken and darken as it settles.

Step 2

Remove the LeaderBrand Baby Spinach leaves from the bag and refresh in ice-cold water. Trim the wooden end from the LeaderBrand Asparagus spears. Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces. Slice the onion into thin slices.

Step 3

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil, then crumble in the vegetable stock cube. Cook the noodles for 3 minutes until tender to the bite. Drain, rinse well under cold water. Leave to drain.

Step 4

Steam the LeaderBrand Asparagus spears in shallow water in the microwave or steamer, until just tender. Refresh in ice-cold water to keep the crisp green colour.

Step 5

Toss the noodles with thin onion slices, LeaderBrand Asparagus and add half the sesame dressing to coat the noodles and vegetables well.

Step 6

Divide the noodles and vegetables between four bowls. Top each bowl with a good handful of fresh LeaderBrand Baby Spinach leaves.

BABY SPINACH

Creamy, smooth, and very nutritious! Toss through another salad, add a handful to a smoothie or cook with many other dishes.

• wb_sunny Available All Year Round
• grass Gisborne & Matamata
• auto_awesome Washed & Ready To Eat
• check Good source of Folate
• check Source of Vitamin A

ASPARAGUS

A springtime favourite and super versatile too, asparagus is considered a culinary delight for New Zealanders up and down the country.

• wb_sunny Sept – Dec
• grass Chertsey
• check Source of Vitamin C
• check Good source of Folate
• Source of niacin (vitamin B3)
• check Source of Potassium
• Source of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
• Source of Thiamin (Vitamin B1)

• 120g bag LeaderBrand Baby Spinach Leaves
• 200g LeaderBrand Asparagus, trimmed
• 1 red onion, peeled, sliced thinly (optional)
• 200g Black bean noodles
• 1 vegetable stock cube

Black Sesame dressing:

• 4 tablespoons black sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon miso paste, optional
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

To serve:

• fresh mint leaves