A highly flavorful dressing featuring almond butter, ginger, garlic, dates and chile pepper makes a delicious accompaniment to broccoli and bean sprouts. Serve it over soba noodles if you like. This is a Health Starts Here recipe.

Serves 6 to 8

• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped pitted dates, raisins or prunes
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium tamari
• 1/2 small serrano pepper, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 heads broccoli, cut into florets and lightly steamed
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
• 1 1/2 cup mung bean sprouts

1. In a blender or food processor, purée almond butter, lemon juice, dates, ginger, garlic, salt, pepper and water until smooth.
2. Transfer dressing to a large bowl, add broccoli and cilantro and toss well. Cover and marinate for up to 1 hour, if you like. Arrange bean sprouts on a large platter, top with broccoli, garnish with cilantro and serve.