Laksa Noodle Soup (vegetarian)

Hi everyone and welcome to my Southpak kitchen. Meet one of my all-time favorite noodle soup, laksa. This Malaysian inspired coconut curry soup is spicy, most fragrant and surprisingly simple to make. The secret to the soup is in its flavorful and rich coconut broth that comes together beautifully with my homemade laksa paste. A true explosion of taste and flavor, this recipe is a must try. Here I have some firm tofu that I'm frying in a takoyaki grill pan. An appam pan works just as well. Simply fry the tofu cubes until golden brown and keep them aside. Let's now prep the laksa paste. In a blender add onions. You can also use shallots, garlic, ginger, cleaned and chopped lemongrass that I have sliced thinly, some dry spices, in goes some coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric. You can also use a small piece of fresh turmeric if available. Here I have few red chilies that I've pre-soaked in warm water. I'm also adding some chili garlic paste to my laksa for that extra kick along with just a little bit of water. Blend everything together to form a smooth paste and keep it aside. Heat about 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a heavy bottom pan. Add the laksa paste and cook on low heat for at least 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. We want to make sure that the water evaporates. I'm adding some tomato paste for a beautiful red color. As you can see, the water has evaporated. We are looking for a thick consistency just as shown. Time to add veggies. You can add any vegetables of choice. I'm adding baby corn, carrots and mushrooms. Give it a good mix. Add some water along with a cube of vegetable bouillon. To balance the flavors, in goes some coconut sugar along with some soy sauce. Give it a good mix. Time to add the fried tofu along with coconut milk. At this point, you're gonna simmer the stove and let the soup cook for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finish it off with a handful of fresh basil leaves. One final boil and it's ready to serve. Add the cooked rice noodles to a bowl and pour this piping hot laksa soup on top. Garnish with some red chilies, green onions, coriander and a drizzle of chili oil. Squeeze some fresh lime juice on top, if required, and serve immediately and enjoy. For more such delicious recipes, don't forget to like, follow and subscribe.