Udon Noodles with Lotus Root

Udon Noodles with Lotus root

-3 tablespoons sesame oil
-3 ribs of celery chopped
-1 onion chopped
-2 carrots chopped
-1/2 cup roasted sesame seeds
-1 bunch of bok choy chopped
-1 large lotus root peeled and chopped
-1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
-2 tablespoons tamari (Soya sauce)
-2 tablespoon natural peanut butter
-juice of lime
-1/4 cup sake
-1 teaspoon chili oil
-fresh udon noodles

-Roast sesame seeds in a frying pan on medium heat, set aside.  In same pan add the sesame oil and lotus root and cook until browned on both sides, then add the ginger, the soya sauce and water to cover the lotus root (About 5 minutes a side).  Allow the lotus root to cook and the water to thicken, (about 15 minutes) then add the onions, celery, carrots and pan fry.  Once these veggies start to brown, add the peanut butter, the chili oil, the sake and the juice of the lime and mix well, allow the alcohol in the sake to cook off (cook for 5-10 minutes).  The mixture should have fluid and if it has cooked off add some more water.  There needs to be some liquid to coat the udon noodles. Add the bok choy as you add the udon noodles.  Once cooked sprinkle with the sesame seeds.