Serves4
                    
                
                
                    
                        
                            - Active time:35 min
- Start to finish:35 min
 
            
                
                    
                    ADAPTED FROM O'NATURALS
                
            
            
                
                
                
    
      
          
          
          
              
              
              
          
          
          
          
          
              
              
              November 2004
            
          
          
      
  
                
                
            
            
            
                Bring something a little different to your holiday meal: These refreshing, easy-to-prepare Asian noodles make a versatile side or main dish.
            
            
            
            
            
                
                    
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                
                                    
                                        - 
                                            5 
                                            
                                            to 6 oz very thin bean thread noodles (in small skeins, also known as cellophane, glass, or mung bean noodles)
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            1/2
                                            cup
                                            tamari (wheat-free sauce from refined soy)
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            3
                                            tablespoons
                                            Asian sesame oil
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            3
                                            tablespoons
                                            sugar
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            1
                                            tablespoon
                                            chopped garlic (2 cloves)
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            1
                                            tablespoon
                                            safflower oil 
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            1
                                            
                                            medium onion, sliced lengthwise 1/8 inch thick (1 1/2 cups)
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            3
                                            
                                            medium carrots, cut into 1/8-inch-thick matchsticks (2 inches long)
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            1/4
                                            lb
                                            mushrooms, trimmed and sliced 1/8 inch thick (1 1/2 cups)
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            3
                                            cups
                                            baby spinach (2 1/2 oz)
                                            
                                        
 
                    
                 
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
                
                    
                    
                    
                        
                            
                                
                                
                                
                                    
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                                            Soak noodles in a bowl of warm water to cover until softened, about 10 minutes, then drain in a colander. Cook noodles in a 3- to 4-quart pot of boiling water until tender, about 2 minutes, then drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool. 
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                                            Blend tamari, sesame oil, sugar, and garlic in a blender until smooth. 
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                                            Heat safflower oil in a deep 12-inch heavy skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke, then stir-fry onion and carrots until onion is softened, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and stir-fry until softened, about 3 minutes. Add spinach and stir-fry 30 seconds, then add noodles and tamari mixture and toss to coat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of liquid is absorbed, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a shallow serving dish and serve warm or at room temperature. 
 
                        
                    
                    Cooks’ note: Chap chae can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.