My kind of family

I'm a big fan of clean out the fridge nights.  Leftovers get finished and odds and ends get worked into new dishes.  Some combinations, like subbing alfredo sauce for tomato in meat sauce, will never work.  Others, like meatloaf and cheese omelettes, prove to be epic, albeit artery rocking.  Staff meal at many restaurants can be a similar experience.

This dish started out as a catch-all pasta dish that could be made in a large batch quickly.  It's evolved into a favorite and my go-to on hectic Saturdays.  Surprisingly, it's a dish that can be used to please just about anyone.  Serve as is to meat eaters or omit the pork or chicken and eggs for a vegan feast.  It contains no dairy and if served with rice or a pasta alternative, is glueten free.  The best part?  This dish is even better served cold the next day, so your lunch might already be made!

One Pot Wonder Spicy Peanut Noodles - serves 5

1 lb linguini or pasta alternative, cooked, drained, and rinsed with cool water.  Toss with vegetable oil and chill.

Sauce

1/2 C peanut butter, chunky or smooth, your choice

1/2 c soy sauce

1 C Asian sweet chili sauce (Muy Ploy is great)

Juice of 1 lime

2 eggs

3 Tbsp sesame seeds

1 garlic clove, minced

Combine all and reserve

2 chicken breasts or 8oz pork tenderloin, cut into medium size cubes

1 medium white onion, sliced thinly

1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly

1 c sliced button mushrooms

1 small eggplant, cut into small cubes

1 carrot, sliced thinly

1 C frozen peas or cleaned snow peas

1 bag baby spinach

2 Tbsp vegetable oil

(See what I mean by clean out the fridge?  Feel free to use your favorite vegetables in place of the ones listed)

In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium high heat.  Season meat with salt and pepper, then saute until golden brown on all sides.  Remove from the pan and reserve.  Saute the vegetables in the order listed, adding the next when the last is soft.  Add the meat back to the pan and pour the sauce over.  Stir to combine.  Bring the sauce to a high simmer (just below boil) and add the pasta.  Toss to coat.  Add a few splashes of water to thin if needed.  Serve topped with sesame seeds, toasted peanuts, scallions, etc if desired.