This light, fresh dish is perfect for relaxed summer entertaining, as it can be made in stages
Prep:40 mins
Serves 6
For the chicken1 chicken, about 1.5kg/3lb 5oz3 slices fresh root ginger2 spring onions, roughly chopped2 garlic cloves
STEP 1Put the chicken in a large heavy pan or flameproof casserole, then add the ginger, spring onions and garlic, plus a good sprinkling of salt. Cover with water, bring to the boil, reduce the heat, then cover tightly. Simmer the chicken for 1-1¼ hrs until tender. Leave to cool for 15 mins, then remove the chicken from the pan and strip off the meat. (The stock can be cooled and frozen for soups, sauces and casseroles.) Tear the chicken into bite-size chunks, then leave to cool.STEP 2Put the noodles in a large heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave for 4 mins, drain, rinse in cold water, then return to the bowl. Use a scissors to snip into short lengths, then toss with the oil to stop them sticking together.STEP 3Cook the asparagus for 3-4 mins in boiling salted water, then tip into a sieve and cool under cold running water. Drain well. If using green beans, cook them with the asparagus. If using sugar snaps, they won’t need to be cooked.STEP 4To make the dressing, mix the lime juice with the sugar until it has dissolved. Add the fish sauce and chillies, then mix well. To serve, put all the salad ingredients in a large bowl with most of the basil and mint leaves. Pour over the dressing and toss everything together well. Pile into a large serving bowl, then scatter over the peanuts and the remaining basil and mint.
