Laksa
Versions of this fragrant laksa paste (curry) are seen in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Southern Thailand. It is believed to have originated as a blend of Chinese ingredients and Southeast Asian cooking practices. Chinese wheat noodles can replace rice noodles, and seafood can be used to replace chicken. Laksa paste is a bit labor-intensive to make, and some ingredients may take an extra trip out, but it is worth it. Laksa paste can be made a week ahead, stored airtight in the refrigerator, or can be frozen in ice-cube trays for up to two months.
Ingredients 23
For The Laksa Paste
3 dried red chilies
4 red Thai bird’s eye chilies
5 cm pieces ginger, peeled, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, peeled
3 shallots, peeled, roughly chopped
3 stalks lemongrass, outer leaves removed, bottom 10 cm (4 in) only, cut into thirds
1 tbsp ground coriander
2 tsp curry powder
1 tsp ground cumin
120 ml vegetable oil, divided
4 tsp Thai shrimp paste
For The Soup
225 g wide fresh rice noodles
800 ml coconut milk, canned
750 ml water
2 tsp palm sugar (jaggery)
2 chicken legs, whole, leg and thigh attached, skin on
fish sauce, to taste
4 eggs, large, soft-boiled, halved
2 Persian cucumbers, cut into matchsticks
115 g bean sprouts
1⁄4 bunch mint, leaves only, picked
2 limes, cut into wedges
sambal oelek, to taste
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Method 7
Place the , , , , , , , , , 60 ml of the vegetable oil, and the in a blender and process until very fine. Set aside.
Place the in a bowl and cover with cold water, then place a plate on top of the noodles to keep them fully submerged. Soak for 15 minutes, then strain and set aside.
Heat a large pot over a high heat and add the remaining . Add the curry paste mixture and cook for 45 seconds, stirring and smearing the paste into the oil, until aromatic.
Slowly whisk in the , or stock and , then add the and bring to a simmer.
Cook for 30 minutes, turning the occasionally, until tender and the broth is very flavorful. The meat should separate from the end of the leg bone when cooked and a thermometer will read 74°C (165°F) when inserted into the thickest part of the leg.
Season to taste with fish sauce and salt. Add the and cook for another 1–2 minutes until tender.
Serve garnished with , , , , and sambal oelek.
Jenn Louis' tips
Laksa paste can be made a week ahead, stored airtight in the refrigerator, or frozen in ice-cube trays for up to two months.
