| Somen is a thin, light, wheat noodle that is traditionally served cold. Although actually a separate variety of noodle, hiyamugi is a thin, light, somen-like noodle made from whole wheat. Somen cooks quickly and absorbs the flavor of sauces, dressings and seasonings well, so it is both convenient and versatile. Try tossing cooked somen with a variety of raw or parboiled vegetables then top with your favorite salad dressing. These delicate noodles are also delicious served with a hot miso broth or a shoyu-flavored dipping sauce (hot or chilled) that has been garnished with minced scallions, slivered nori, and grated ginger. A sweet and sour vegetable or tofu sauce is excellent served over somen. For an elegant entree, try somen in Noodle Rolls. Whole wheat somen can be substituted for white somen in Oriental recipes, but it requires slightly longer cooking. |
