Rice Noodles With Zucchini, Tomatoes and Fresh Mint

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 to 2 garlic cloves (to taste), minced
• 1 pound zucchini, cut in 1/4-inch dice
• 1 pound tomatoes, peeled, seeded* and cut in 1/4-inch dice, or 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes, partially drained
• Salt
• freshly ground pepper to taste
• 7 to 8 ounces thin rice sticks
• 3 to 4 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino or crumbled feta (optional)

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Meanwhile, place the rice sticks in a large bowl, and cover with hot water.
3. Let sit 20 minutes, until pliable.
4. Drain and cut the noodles in half, into roughly 6- to 8-inch lengths, with kitchen scissors.
5. While the rice sticks are soaking, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat in a wide, heavy skillet, and add the garlic.
6. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds, and add the zucchini.
7. Cook, stirring, until the zucchini begins to soften and the skin becomes bright green, about three minutes.
8. Add the tomatoes with juice and salt and pepper to taste.
9. Cook, stirring often, for 6 to 10 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the tomatoes have begun to break down.
10. Remove from the heat, taste and adjust seasonings, and set aside.
11. When the water comes to a boil, salt generously and add the rice sticks.
12. Boil one minute and drain.
13. Toss with the zucchini and tomato mixture, the remaining olive oil and the mint.
14. Serve, passing the cheese for people to sprinkle on at the table.

extra virgin olive oil, garlic, zucchini, tomatoes, salt, freshly ground pepper, thin rice, fresh mint, freshly grated parmesan

Taken from cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1013283 (may not work)