Courgette, coconut and spinach noodles
Creamy, rich and fresh – this zesty number is perfect to take as a packed lunch or to enjoy for a refreshing dinner.Ìý
This recipe is part of a Vegan budget meal plan for two. In March 2023, this recipe was costed at an average of £2.22 when checking prices at four UK supermarkets. It is designed to be made in conjunction with a low-cost store-cupboard.
Ingredients
For the dressing
- ¼ tin/100ml/3½fl oz coconut milk
- ¼ lime, juice and zest only
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- pinch dried chilli flakes
- 1 garlic clove
For the noodles
- 100–150g/3½–5½oz dried noodles or 300g/10½oz straight-to-wok noodles, variety of your choice
- 1 courgette, shredded (very finely sliced)
- ½ bag spinach or baby spinach (about 125–150g/4½–5½oz)
- handful radishes, julienned (sliced into strips about the size of matchsticks)
- small handful fresh coriander, roughly chopped
- salt and ground black pepper
Method
To make the dressing, combine the coconut milk, lime zest and juice, soy sauce, olive oil and dried chilli in a small bowl and grate in the the garlic clove. Season generously and set aside.
If using dried noodles, cook the noodles according to the packet instructions. Two minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the courgette to the water, simmer for a minute, then add the spinach, using a wooden spoon to push it under the water for a minute. Immediately take off the heat and drain in a sieve. Rinse under cold water, squeeze dry, then transfer to a bowl. (If using straight to wok noodles, gently fry the courgette until tender then add the noodles. Once hot, tip in the spinach and cook until just wilted.)
Add the dressing, radishes and coriander and lightly toss together. Transfer to plates and serve.
Recipe Tips
If following the meal plan, the rest of the coconut milk, lime, spinach and coriander will be used in other recipes.
Reserve the stalks of the coriander for use in the coconut dal.
The lowest price noodles are often the flavoured packets of instant noodles. The flavouring comes in a separate sachet which you can discard if using the noodles in a different way.