Vegetarian Laksa Curry
Description:
Laksa Curry, a classic Malaysian dish, is known for its rich, spicy, and creamy coconut milk base, paired perfectly with rice noodles and an assortment of fresh vegetables. This Vegetarian Laksa Curry offers a delightful twist on the traditional meat-laden version, delivering a satisfying, aromatic one-pot meal that combines the goodness of mushrooms, tofu, and an array of vibrant veggies. If some ingredients are not readily available, we’ve provided local substitutes to keep the dish flavorful and true to its roots. With a bit of advance prepping—like chopping vegetables and making the Laksa paste beforehand—you’ll find this recipe surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for any dinner gathering or cozy night in.
Cuisine: Asian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Button mushrooms, sliced | 8 pieces |
| Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens), chopped | 4 stalks |
| Green beans (French Beans), cut into pieces and blanched | 8 pieces |
| Carrots (Gajjar), peeled and julienne | 2 medium |
| Red/Yellow/Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum), sliced | 1 large |
| Baby corn, sliced lengthwise | 6 pieces |
| Tofu, cut into cubes | 250 grams |
| Bean Sprouts | ½ cup |
| Coconut milk | 1½ cups |
| Vegetable stock | 3 cups (adjustable) |
| Rice noodles, thin | 400 grams |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, chopped | A handful |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina), chopped | A handful |
| Lemon wedges | To serve |
| Oil (for shallow frying) | As required |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Laksa Paste:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Red Chillies | 3 pieces |
| Dry Red Chillies, soaked in water for 30 minutes | 2 pieces |
| Lemon Grass, chopped | 1 stalk |
| Garlic, peeled | 5 cloves |
| Galangal (or ginger), peeled and sliced | 1 inch |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Turmeric Root (or 1 tsp turmeric powder) | 1 inch |
| Pearl onions (Sambar Onions), sliced | 4 pieces |
| Cashew nuts | 5 pieces |
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Laksa Paste:
Begin by grinding all the ingredients listed under “Laksa paste” in a mixer grinder or food processor. Blend until you get a smooth and aromatic paste. Set this aside. -
Prepare the Tofu:
In a grill pan or frying pan, heat a little oil. Shallow fry or grill the tofu cubes until they are well-browned and crispy on all sides. Set aside. -
Cook the Laksa Base:
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or pot over medium heat. Add the prepared Laksa paste and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the oil starts to separate from the paste, and it becomes aromatic. -
Add Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion bulbs to the wok and sauté for another minute. Next, toss in the green beans, carrots, and baby corn, and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the vegetables to soften slightly. -
Add Mushrooms and Bell Pepper:
Once the beans are half-cooked, add the sliced mushrooms and bell peppers. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms begin to sweat and soften. -
Simmer the Soup:
Pour in the vegetable stock and coconut milk, then add the tofu cubes. Stir to combine. Add the soy sauce and season with salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. -
Cook the Rice Noodles:
While the curry is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. -
Assemble and Serve:
To serve, place a portion of rice noodles in a bowl. Ladle the hot laksa curry over the noodles. Top with fresh bean sprouts, chopped spring onion greens, coriander, and mint leaves for a burst of flavor. Serve with a wedge of lemon on the side.
Serving Suggestions:
This Vegetarian Laksa Curry is delightful on its own, but for a more substantial meal, pair it with a side like Mushroom and Bok Choy Stir Fry. The crisp vegetables and fragrant stir-fry will complement the creamy and spicy laksa perfectly.
Additional Tips:
- Ingredient Substitutes: If certain ingredients like galangal or fresh turmeric root are not available, you can use ginger and turmeric powder as substitutes.
- Spice Level: For a milder version, reduce the number of red chillies or remove the seeds from the fresh chillies.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the Laksa paste and chop all the vegetables a day in advance to save time during cooking.
Enjoy your homemade Vegetarian Laksa Curry, a flavorful, spicy, and creamy meal that will transport your taste buds straight to Malaysia!
