Arabian Spiced Laksa

Ingredients

While the original Malaysian laksa is known for its bold and spicy flavors, the Arabian Spiced Laksa takes a milder approach, incorporating aromatic spices such as saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon. The dish also embraces the use of traditional Arab ingredients like dates, almonds, and rose water, adding a touch of sweetness and richness to the broth. We alse have the original recipe for Laksa, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7 oz) rice noodles 200g (7 oz) rice noodles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 400ml (14 fl oz) coconut milk 400ml (14 fl oz) coconut milk
• 500ml (2 cups) vegetable broth 500ml (2 cups) vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon date syrup 1 tablespoon date syrup
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 200g (7 oz) cooked chicken, shredded 200g (7 oz) cooked chicken, shredded
• 100g (3.5 oz) cooked prawns 100g (3.5 oz) cooked prawns
• 50g (1.8 oz) bean sprouts 50g (1.8 oz) bean sprouts
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Toasted almonds, for garnish Toasted almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 15g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 8g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.
3. 3.
   Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and saffron threads to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
4. 4.
   Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Stir in the soy sauce, date syrup, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked chicken and prawns to the pot, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
6. 6.
   Divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the aromatic broth with chicken and prawns over the noodles.
7. 7.
   Garnish each bowl with bean sprouts, chopped cilantro, and toasted almonds.
8. 8.
   Serve the Arabian Spiced Laksa hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice noodles — Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, but slightly undercook them as they will continue to soften in the hot broth.
• Saffron threads — To enhance the flavor and color, soak the saffron threads in a tablespoon of warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.
• If you prefer a thicker broth, simmer the coconut milk for a few extra minutes to reduce it slightly.
• Customize your Arabian Spiced Laksa by adding your favorite vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms.
• To make it heartier, add boiled eggs or tofu cubes to the laksa.
• If you can't find date syrup, substitute it with maple syrup or honey for a touch of sweetness.

Serving advice

Serve the Arabian Spiced Laksa in deep bowls, allowing the fragrant broth to envelop the noodles, chicken, and prawns. Provide spoons and chopsticks for an authentic dining experience. Accompany the dish with a side of warm Arabic bread or pita for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of Arabian Spiced Laksa with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and toasted almonds. The vibrant green of the cilantro and the golden brown of the almonds will add visual appeal to the dish. Serve the laksa in beautiful ceramic bowls to showcase the rich colors of the broth and ingredients.