Peanut Noodle Recipe

Meghean Feidelman is director of food and nutrition services for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. While she isn't on the medical team, the role she plays is crucial to our patients. She started out as a chef; little did she know that someday she would end up in a hospital setting and has now been here for 14 years. She quickly became passionate about the pediatric population.

"The children really need to have the full benefit of healthy eating to heal and still be able to have some fun with their food while they're in a hospital," Meghean said.

This month she opened the first local, hospital-based food pantry in partnership with Feeding South Florida and the Lions Club that will serve our patients. Her inspiration?

Eighteen percent of the pediatric population of Broward County doesn't have access to fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy on a regular basis.

"These kids are in our hospital, and while they are here, they receive healthy meals to heal. There is no reason that should stop when they are discharged. It is important they continue to heal at home, and we can help with that."

In celebration of national nutrition month, Meghean created a simple and healthy recipe using ingredients that can be found in our new food pantry. She wants everyone to know that eating healthy can be delicious, affordable, and easy!

Easy Thai Style Peanut Noodles for Four

Ingredients

• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp ground Ginger
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce (can substitute reduced sodium soy sauce)
• 2 tsp vinegar
• 3/4 cup peanut butter (can use crunchy if you’d like)
• 1 cup hot chicken broth
• 1/2 lb of dry spaghetti or other pasta noodle

How to prepare it

Cook dry pasta according to the package to have a cooked product to mix with your peanut sauce. 
While pasta is cooking, in a large bowl mix onion powder, garlic powder, ginger together. Add soy sauce and vinegar. Stir in peanut butter. Slowly add hot chicken broth, whisking it to combine all ingredients into a sauce. Once pasta is completely cooked, drain pasta and stir pasta into sauce, using tongs to combine and thoroughly coat all pasta with sauce. Divide into 4 servings and enjoy!

Additional ideas

You can add your own spin to this fun, simple recipe! Want to add some stir-fried vegetables, such as onions, peppers or broccoli? Go right ahead. Maybe you want to add a little spice? Add a dash of your favorite sriracha or hot sauce. You can always add some cooked chicken breast or other cooked protein. The sauce will thicken as it stands, so just add a little more broth or hot water if needed.