HOMEMADE LAKSA

LAKSA is a popular spicy noodle soup from the Peranakan culture, which is a merger of chinese and Malay elements.

There are three basic types of laksa: curry laksa, laksa and asam laksa.

Curry laksa

-is a coconut curry soup with noodles

Laksa noodles

-most common

 Asam laksa

-sour fish soup with noodles

With the advent of Singaporean restaurants mushrooming everywhere,

it isn���t a surprise that Laksa has skirted its way into the local noodle soup scene.

Not to mention, its different spice levels that can range from mild to burning. In any case,

here is a recipe for a homestyle Laksa that can satisfy your savory coconut cream cravings.

The ingredients are pretty easy to spot in your local grocery,

so it���ll save you the hassle of having to dig through

various specialized Thai stores just to get a certain flavor right.

Ingredients

• 2 stalks lemongrass
• 2 tsp grated ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1 tbsp sliced shallots
• 1 tsp Thai shrimp paste or Belacan (bagoong)
• 2-3 tsp Laksa paste
• 3 pcs dried red chili
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/2 cup coconut cream
• 2-3 cups water
• 1/2 tsp chicken powder (or use chicken stock)
• 1 tsp sugar
• salt, to taste
• 8 pcs peeled shrimps
• 4 pcs fish balls, sliced
• 2 cups cooked hofan noodles
• 2 lime wedges
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts, blanched
• Cilantro, for garnish

Procedure

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium flame.

2. Bruise lemongrass stems by hitting perpendicularly with the back side of the knife.

3. Sauté lemongrass in oil for 1 minute.

4.  Add ginger, garlic, shallots and shrimp paste. Sauté for another 2 minutes.

5. Add in Laksa paste and sauté for another minute.

6. Add in coconut cream and water. Season with chicken powder, sugar and salt to taste.

7. Add in shrimps and fish balls. Boil until shrimps are cooked. Adjust seasonings. Turn off fire.

Are you drooling now???

Quick, go make your own Laksa!!!!!