Tempura Udon with a Lesotho Twist

Ingredients

In this Lesotho-inspired adaptation of tempura udon, we incorporate flavors and ingredients from Lesotho's cuisine. The broth is infused with Lesotho spices and herbs, adding a unique twist to the traditional Japanese dish. Additionally, we incorporate Lesotho-inspired ingredients to enhance the flavor profile and create a fusion of Japanese and Lesotho cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Tempura udon, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7 oz) udon noodles 200g (7 oz) udon noodles
• 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth
• 1 onion, sliced 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon curry powder 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup ice-cold water 1 cup ice-cold water
• Assorted vegetables for tempura (e.g., sweet potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini) Assorted vegetables for tempura (e.g., sweet potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini)
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional) Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Sliced chili peppers, for garnish (optional) Sliced chili peppers, for garnish (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the paprika, curry powder, and soy sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   While the broth is simmering, prepare the tempura batter. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ice-cold water, salt, and pepper. Stir until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot for frying the tempura. The oil should be around 180°C (350°F).
7. 7.
   Dip the assorted vegetables into the tempura batter, ensuring they are well-coated. Carefully place them into the hot oil and fry until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
8. 8.
   Divide the cooked udon noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles.
9. 9.
   Top the udon noodles with the crispy tempura and garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced chili peppers, if desired.
10. 10.
    Serve the Lesotho-inspired tempura udon hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Udon noodles — Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions, but make sure not to overcook them as they should still have a slight chewy texture.
• Tempura batter — It's important to keep the tempura batter ice-cold to achieve a crispy texture. Use ice-cold water and mix the batter just before dipping the vegetables.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can add a splash of rice vinegar or mirin to the broth.
• Experiment with different vegetables for the tempura, such as mushrooms or eggplant, to add variety to the dish.
• To make the tempura even crispier, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the tempura batter.
• If you prefer a spicier broth, you can add a dash of hot sauce or chili paste.
• Serve the tempura udon immediately after assembling to ensure the tempura stays crispy.

Serving advice

Serve the Lesotho-inspired tempura udon hot in individual bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced chili peppers for an extra kick of flavor. Enjoy it with chopsticks and a spoon to savor the delicious broth and crispy tempura.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the dish, arrange the tempura on top of the udon noodles in an artful manner. Drizzle a little extra broth around the noodles and garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color. Serve the dish in traditional Japanese bowls for an authentic touch.