Spicy Coconut Laksa Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
• 2 red chilies, sliced 2 red chilies, sliced
• 1 tablespoon (15g) curry powder 1 tablespoon (15g) curry powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) turmeric powder 1 teaspoon (5g) turmeric powder
• 400ml (13.5oz) coconut milk 400ml (13.5oz) coconut milk
• 500ml (2 cups) vegetable broth 500ml (2 cups) vegetable broth
• 200g (7oz) rice noodles 200g (7oz) rice noodles
• 200g (7oz) tofu, cubed 200g (7oz) tofu, cubed
• 100g (3.5oz) bok choy, chopped 100g (3.5oz) bok choy, chopped
• 100g (3.5oz) bean sprouts 100g (3.5oz) bean sprouts
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 18g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 6g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, lemongrass, and sliced red chilies. Sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Stir in the curry powder and turmeric powder, coating the aromatics evenly.
3. 3.
   Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. 5.
   Add the tofu, bok choy, and bean sprouts to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. 6.
   To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot laksa soup over the noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tofu — Press the tofu before cubing it to remove excess moisture and enhance its texture in the laksa soup.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a few drops of sriracha or chili oil to the laksa soup.
• Customize your laksa by adding your favorite protein such as shrimp, chicken, or beef.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red chilies or remove the seeds before slicing.
• To save time, prepare the laksa paste in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Experiment with different toppings such as boiled eggs, fried shallots, or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Coconut Laksa Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Accompany it with a side of steamed jasmine rice or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Present the laksa soup in vibrant bowls, allowing the colorful ingredients to shine through. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro and a lime wedge on the side for an appealing visual touch.