Noodles with Black Bean Sauce (click for recipe), or Cha Chang Myun (자장면), is a popular Korean food similar to Spaghetti, except that the sauce is based on black beans instead of tomatoes.

This dish is a favorite with my toddlers. (Though before giving it to little ones I rinse the sauce off - or cover the floor with plastic, remove all clothes, and plan to head straight from the high chair to the bath!)

There are only two ingredients that you might not be familiar with: black bean paste and udang (or udon) noodles. If you can't find the noodles, you can substitute regular spaghetti. The black bean paste is the most difficult; you'll probably have to visit a Korean store for this one. It's not the "Black Bean Garlic Sauce" you might see in your International aisle. The picture might help. If you're not sure, ask a clerk what to use for cha chang myun. I'm certain they will be happy to help.

The recipe makes a huge amount of food. I usually divide the pot into four sections. One I put on the table, and the other three I freeze in plastic bags for later. It stores very well and reheats easily. Just put the plastic bag in some warm water until liquid starts forming inside, then put everything in a pot for 20 minutes or so until it's hot.

Labels: International Flair