local finds: sea asparagus

i picked up some sea asparagus at the farmers' market the other day. i've read a lot about it recently and was curious to try it. high in vitamin A and a good source of calcium and iron, sea asparagus can be eaten raw, sauteed, steamed, stir-fried, etc. it goes really well with all things asian, which is why i paired it with oyster mushrooms, broccoli, bok choy and soba noodles for a wonderful and light salad. sea asparagus season runs from may to july, so get some before its gone.
photo courtesy of westcoast seaweed

for more information see: http://www.westcoastseaweed.com/seabean/nscp_toc/index.html


here is a recipe:


some soba noodles
1-2 handfuls of sea asparagus
1-2 bok choy
1 small head of broccoli
1-2 cups oyster mushrooms
1 clove garlic

1T sesame oil
1T tamari sauce
1T chili sauce or 1t cayene pepper

boil water and cook the soba; drain and set aside

heat oil, saute garlic then mushrooms ...
add remaining veggies and the tamari sauce, sautee for a couple of minutes until tender but still crisp, add chili sauce

toss with soba noodles and sprinkle some sesame seeds for garnish (i didn't have any but i think it would be a nice touch)