RECIPES FOR RAMADAN: SINGAPORE´S LAKSA NOODLES

 

Singapore Laksa with Curry Recipe:

Ingredients:

- 200g rice vermicelli noodles

- 200g prawns, peeled and deveined

- 200g chicken breast, thinly sliced

- 400ml coconut milk

- 4 cups chicken or seafood broth

- 2 tablespoons laksa paste

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved

- 1 block firm tofu, fried and sliced

- 100g bean sprouts

- 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised

- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

- Lime wedges (for serving)

Laksa Paste:

- 6 dried red chilies, soaked in hot water and deseeded

- 4 shallots, peeled and chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, peeled

- 2 stalks lemongrass, white part only, chopped

- 1-inch piece of galangal, peeled and chopped

- 1-inch piece of turmeric root or 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 tablespoon shrimp paste (belacan)

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Procedure:

1. Prepare Laksa Paste: In a blender or food processor, combine all the laksa paste ingredients and blend until smooth.

2. Cooking Laksa Soup: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the laksa paste and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 5 minutes.

3. Pour in the chicken or seafood broth and bring to a simmer. Add the bruised lemongrass stalks and simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Stir in the coconut milk and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Season with salt to taste.

5. Prepare Noodles and Toppings: Meanwhile, cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

6. Blanch the prawns and chicken slices in the laksa soup until they are cooked through. Remove them from the soup and set aside.

7. Assemble Laksa Bowls: To serve, divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the hot laksa soup over the noodles. Arrange the cooked prawns, chicken slices, tofu slices, halved hard-boiled eggs, and bean sprouts on top.

8. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Significance in Ramadan:

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from food and drink. It is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and increased devotion. When Muslims break their fast in the evening during iftar, it's important to consume nutritious and flavorful foods to replenish their energy levels and provide satisfaction after a day of fasting.

Singapore Laksa with Curry is a comforting and nourishing dish that is well-suited for iftar during Ramadan. Its rich and aromatic broth, infused with coconut milk and fragrant spices, provides essential nutrients and hydration after a long day of fasting. Additionally, the diverse array of ingredients such as prawns, chicken, tofu, and noodles offer protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins, making it a wholesome meal to break the fast. The warmth and depth of flavors in laksa bring comfort and joy to the iftar table, fostering a sense of community and togetherness during this special time of the year.