Malaysian-spiced noodles with tofu

Aromatic, rich and spicy - proof, if you ever needed it, that vegetarian food is anything but bland.

Ingredients

For the spice paste

• 25g/1oz fresh ginger, peeled
• 2 lemongrass stalks
• 2 red chillies
• 3 shallots, chopped
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• pinch of salt
• 2-3 tbsp vegetable oil

For the sauce

• 400ml/14fl oz can coconut milk
• 250ml/9fl oz vegetable stock

For the noodles

• vegetable oil, for deep-frying, plus 1 tbsp for frying
• 150g/5oz fresh tofu, cut to 2.5cm/1in squares, dried on kitchen paper
• 20 oyster mushrooms, finely sliced
• 8 sugar snap peas or mange tout, blanched, cut in half lengthways
• 400g/14oz ready-made udon noodles, cooked according to packet instructions

To serve

• fresh coriander leaves
• lime wedges
• crushed peanuts

Preparation method

1. For the spice paste, place all of the spice paste ingredients, except the vegetable oil, into a food processor and blend to a pulp.
   
2. With the motor still running, gradually add the oil and continue to blend until you get a loose paste (you may not need to use all the oil).
   
3. For the sauce, place a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the spice paste and fry gently for 2-3 minutes.
   
4. Add the coconut milk and vegetable stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for a further five minutes.
   
5. For the noodles, half-fill a deep, heavy-based pan with vegetable oil and heat until a breadcrumb sizzles and turns brown when dropped into it. (CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous. Do not leave unattended.)
   
6. Add the tofu cubes and deep-fry for 2-3 minutes, until crisp and golden-brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain onto kitchen paper.
   
7. Heat the remaining one tablespoon of oil in a clean frying pan over a medium heat. Add the oyster mushrooms and fry for three minutes, or until softened.
   
8. Add the mushrooms to the sauce.
   
9. Add the sugar snap peas (or mange tout), deep-fried tofu and udon noodles to the sauce and stir well to combine.
   
10. To serve, spoon to the curry into serving bowls and garnish each with fresh coriander leaves, lime wedges and crushed peanuts, to taste.