Soba Noodle Salad

I started out with this recipe from the Simply Recipes Blog.  Each time I make it, it evolves into something different.  Last night I made it again and it was the best yet, so I thought I would share.

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 cup cane sugar 
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jalapeño chile pepper, seeded and minced
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• Zest of one lime
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 12 ounces soba noodles broken in half
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 large orange bell pepper, chopped
• 1 bag frozen shelled edamame
• 1 large avocado, chopped
• 1 bunch cilantro
• 1 cup chopped roasted, salted peanuts
• hot pepper flakes
• Lime wedges for serving (optional)

METHOD

1 Place the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until the sugar and salt dissolve. Stir in the garlic and allow to cool. Add the lime juice, jalapeno and sesame oil and mix well.

2 Cook the noodles in water, until al dente, according to the package instructions (about 4 minutes). Drain and then rinse well under cool water. Transfer the noodles to a large bowl and toss with the dressing.

3 cook edamame according to package instructions.  Drain and add to noodles.

4 Add the bell peppers, cilantro, avocado. Toss and plate. Serve with red pepper flakes, chopped peanuts and lime wedges.