Simple 7-Ingredient Recipe

Here is a savory, flavor-packed recipe that relies entirely on staple ingredients you likely already have sitting in your cupboards.

The Dish: "Twisted Dragon" Pantry Noodles

Flavor Profile: A rich, savory, and slightly sweet umami-bomb with a kick of heat.

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2

The 7 Pantry Ingredients:

1. Spaghetti (8 oz) - or any long pasta/noodle you have on hand
2. Creamy Peanut Butter (⅓ cup)
3. Soy Sauce (3 tbsp)
4. Honey (1 tbsp)
5. Garlic Powder (1 tsp)
6. Sriracha (1 tbsp) - adjust to your spice preference
7. Sesame Seeds (1 tbsp) - for a crunchy garnish

(Note: You will also use a splash of hot water from your tap/pot, which is a culinary freebie!)

Instructions:

1. Boil the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
2. Build the Dragon Sauce: While the pasta is bubbling away, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and sriracha.
3. Steal the Starch: Right before you drain your pasta, carefully scoop out about ¼ cup of the hot, starchy pasta water from the pot.
4. Whisk it Smooth: Pour the hot pasta water into your peanut butter mixture. Whisk vigorously. The hot water will melt the peanut butter, turning the thick mixture into a silky, glossy sauce.
5. Toss and Coat: Drain your pasta and immediately transfer the hot noodles into the bowl with your sauce. Use tongs to toss the noodles vigorously until every single strand is coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve: Divide the noodles into two bowls, sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for a toasty crunch, and serve immediately!

Pro-tip: If you happen to have a rogue green onion or a squeeze of lime hiding in your fridge, they make fantastic (though strictly optional) additions to this dish!