Use The Forks – Star Wars Cooking

USE THE FORKS!
Star Wars Cooking

 

In my humble opinion, Padmé Amidala isn’t recognized for how important she really is. She’s a huge part of the Star Wars saga! She was a clever and compassionate elected queen at age 14, she worked closely with, and then against Palpatine once she figured out he was up to no good (sparking the Rebel Alliance)she married Anakin (his fear of losing her is what drove him to the dark side), and she’s the mother of Luke and Leia. Without Padmé, the Star Wars universe would be a lot more boring.

She’s also the most fashionable senator of all time. Sure at one point in Attack of the Clones, right after she survives an assassination attempt, she’s wearing a wicker garbage can from Pier 1 on her head, but that just shows she wasn’t afraid to take chances and improvise with what’s laying around in her room! My favorite Padmé outfit is the one she wears to the droid factory on Geonosis. That fleece cape is really great, too bad it gets lost before the battle (that she was on top of). Poggle the Lesser probably kept it for himself. A close second would be the first outfit we see her in, because it has glowing orange fire balls around bottom of her skirt. So awesome!

In The Clone Wars cartoons we get to see how cool and smart Padmé really is. She was a fearless public servant, and really dedicated her life to the greater good. Remember when she defended Ahsoka against murder charges? She’s a powerful ally!

She also has one of the best deleted scenes from Attack of the Clones. That picture in her bedroom where she’s swaying back and forth with “Sweetheart,” the orphan alien that died? *chef finger kiss* LOVE IT

My point is that Padmé is an important, strong, inspirational character that deserves more than to just die of a broken heart and be forgotten. Luke does ask Leia about their mother in Return of the Jedi, but not nearly as much as he asks Uncle Owen, Obi Wan and Yoda about his father. And if you look at Luke and Leia, they both take after Padmé much more than Anakin. Fighting for the greater good is in their DNA!

Padmé is a relatable example of someone who can make a real difference in the universe, even if they’re not a force sensitive, laser-sword carrier. Let’s honor her with a delicious dish, shall we?

Pad-Thai-Mé 

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:
  • 8 oz dried stir-fry rice noodles
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 3 Tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon Sriracha
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 package (14oz) tofu, drained, patted dry, cut into thin small squares
  • 2 carrots, peeled & shredded
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 scallions, thinly sliced, greens & whites separated
  • 2 Tablespoons peanuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of water to boil, and add the noodles.
2. Remove the pot from the heat, cover, and allow the noodles to soak for 8 minutes.
3. Drain and set aside.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, soy sauce, Sriracha and brown sugar. Set aside.
5. In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
6. Add beaten eggs, and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
7. Cook eggs until they’re set, about 1 minute or so, then transfer to a cutting board.
8. Roll eggs into a loose log (careful, they’re hot!) and slice into thin strips. Set aside.
9. Add 4 teaspoons of vegetable oil to the pan, and heat.
10. Add tofu slices in a single layer, and cook until browned on each side, about 7 minutes all together, flipping halfway through. Set aside.
10. Add remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil to the skillet, and heat.
11. Add carrots, garlic, and scallion whites to the pan and cook for 5 minutes.
12. Add lime juice mixture, and bring to a simmer.
13. Add noodles and cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute or so.
14.  Add eggs & tofu, and gently toss to combine
15. Divide between 4 dishes, and sprinkle with scallion greens, peanuts and cilantro to serve.
16. Enjoy while fighting for liberty in a fashionable outfit.