Sunomono (Hiya Somen)
Sunomono or Hiya Somen is a classic Japanese dish served as a refreshing meal along with relishes and cold vegetables during summer’s oppressive heat. The bright sour flavor stimulates movement of Liver Qi, moving stagnation out of the diaphragm and Stomach, relieving bloating and tightness.
Servings: 3 Prep Tim: 10 minutes Cook Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients
11 oz rice somen noodles
2 small cucumbers thinly sliced
2 slices of lemon very thinly sliced
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon organic sugar
ice water
cooked crab or shrimp optional
tamari or soy sauce optional
Instructions
Cook noodles according to package, drain well. Sprinkle sliced cucumber and lemon slices with salt and let stand a few minutes. Squeeze out excess moisture. Combine vinegar, sugar, and soy in a bowl and mix well. Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumber and lemon slices and mix well. In 3 or 4 small individual bowls, divide noodles. Cover noodles with ice water. Divide vinegar mixture, lemon and cucumbers evenly between the bowls. Add in a little crab, if desired.
Recipe Energetics & Healing Properties
Sour moves Qi, stimulates the Liver and Gallbladder.
Contraindications: Those with very cold patterns or excessively weak Spleen Qi should avoid excess cold foods. Eat this cool rather than ice cold to protect the digestive fire of Earth element.
