Tempeh Curry Laksa with Coconut Milk and Kelp Noodles

Cut tempeh into 1cm slices. Heat 1⁄4 cup of coconut oil in a sauté pan over a medium-high heat.

Cook the tempeh in 2–3 batches until golden brown on both sides. Lay on a plate lined with paper towels until needed.

Heat a spoonful of oil in a sauté pan over a medium heat. Add the red chilli, capsicum, carrot, spice paste and curry powder. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the stock, coconut milk and fish sauce. Bring to the boil andthen simmer for 3–5 minutes.

Rinse kelp noodles and use kitchen scissors to cut them in half. Divide among 4 bowls. Ladle the broth and vegetables over the top. Lay the tempeh in each bowl.

Top with bean sprouts and then sliced cucumber. Finally scattermint, coriander, sliced chilli, fried shallots and spring onion. Serve with lime wedges.  

Pantry notes: You will find tempeh in the chiller section of your supermarket. It will be with the tofu and other vegetarian products.

Fried shallots are available in gourmet food stores and Asian specialty stores. You could use toasted seeds instead.

Kelp noodles are wonderful but can be pricey and sometimes tricky to find. Vermicelli rice noodles are a perfect substitute. Allow 50 grams dried noodles per person. Cook according to packet instructions before adding to the broth.