Fusion Food (Laksa)

Laksa is a popular spicy noodle soup from Peranakan culture, which is a merger of Chinese and Malay elements found in Malaysia and Singapore, and to a lesser extent Indonesia.

RECIPE

3 long fat stalks of lemon grass, mincing only their tender hearts and reserving the rest of the stalks for another use

4 hot red chilies, discarding the stem and as many seeds as you wish to reduce the fire of the paste

4 slices of galangal (substitute ginger if you can't find this fresh)

thumb-size lump of ginger

1 teaspoon shrimp paste

3 shallots, peeled and chopped

3 large cloves garlic

4 Tablespoons peanut oil

1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 teaspoon sugar

1/4 cup tamarind paste