Food III ; Laksa Kedah

 

Almost every state in Malaysia has its own kind of laksa. Today, we're serving Kedah's version, which consists of a rich fish-based gravy poured over fresh vegetables and noodles. This popular dish, also known as "Laksa Utara," is one of the simplest laksas to prepare and cook.

Ingredients :

Laksa Gravy

• 1kg sardine
• 6 tamarind slices
• 2 torch ginger flower (bunga kantan)
• 15 pcs Coriander
• 2 lemongrass
• 1 red onion (quartered)
• 2 shallots (whole)
• 5 red chili
• 5 red cili padi
• 30g cili paste (cili boh)
• 10g belacan
• 1 tbsp salt
• 3 L water (or enough to cover fish)

Noodles & garnish 

• 1 packet laksa noodles
• 1 red onion (sliced)
• 5 green cili padi (sliced)
• 2 pcs Iceberg lettuce
• 1 cucumber
• 2 eggs (boiled & halved)

Instructions :

1. Boil the fish for about 20 minutes in a large wok with enough water to cover all of the fish. Skim off the thick foam that rises to the top on a regular basis.
2. When the fish is done, remove it from the wok and set it aside to cool. Keep the fish broth in the fridge for later.
3. Remove the head and fins from the fish and debone it. Make certain to get rid of all of the smaller bones. Blend the fish flesh with the onions, shallots, chilies, chilli paste, and belacan, as well as 1 liter of fish broth, until fine and smooth.
4. Place the combined fish mixture in a pot with the torch ginger flower, lemongrass, and tamarind and simmer for 15 minutes on medium heat. Add 2 cups of fish broth to the pot.
5. Make any necessary adjustments to get the desired consistency. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until it reaches a boil.
6. Once the water has reached a boil, add the salt and whisk well. Then add the coriander and cook for another 5 minutes.
7. Boil enough water (enough to cover the noodles) in a clean saucepan and add the laksa noodles (following the package instructions) for around 10 minutes.
8. To stop the cooking, drain the noodles and rinse them in cool water. Immediately divide the noodles into serving bowls.
9. To make the laksa, pour heated broth into a bowl and top with sliced chilies, onions, lettuce, cucumber, and boiled egg. Serve immediately.