Growing up in Northern Virginia, Monica Esquivel didn't have many opportunities to enjoy Filipino food. So her mom made it a point to have Filipino food at their holiday celebrations every year.

"Since we didn't have Filipino food very often, it became something of a tradition to look forward to – and a way to feel connected to our family in the Philippines,” says Monica, a dietetics professor in the Dept. of Human Nutrition Food and Animal Sciences.

Enjoy this holiday recipe from the Esquivel family!

Ingredients

• 1 8 oz package of thin rice noodles, soaked in water until soft
• 1/4 onion, sliced
• 2 T garlic
• 2 T vegetable oil
• 3 cups sliced vegetables—carrot, cabbage, broccoli, snap peas
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Soy sauce and patis (fish sauce) to taste
• Additional soy sauce and lemon slices for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat wok to medium-high heat.
2. Soak rice noodles in water until soft.
3. Heat oil in wok, add garlic and onion, saute until soft.
4. Add vegetables to wok and cook until tender.
5. Drain rice noodles and toss into wok with vegetables. Season with black pepper, soy sauce, and patis to desired flavor. Cook until heated through.
6. Serve with soy sauce and lemon slices.