For the spice paste
25g/1o z fresh ginger peeled
2 lemongrass stalks
2 red chillies
3 shallots chopped
1 garlic clove
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
pinch of salt
2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the sauce
400ml/14 f l oz can coconut milk
250ml/9 f l oz vegetable stock
For the noodles
vegetable oil for deep-frying, plus 1 tbsp for frying
150g/5o z 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/14o z ready-made udon noodles cooked according to packet instructions
To serve
fresh coriander leaves
lime wedges
crushed peanuts
Aromatic, rich and spicy – proof, if you ever needed it, that vegan food is anything but bland. This vegan noodle soup with crispy tofu is full of flavour.
This meal provides 712 kcal, 18g protein, 81g carbohydrate (of which 4g sugars), 34g fat (of which 17g saturates), 1g fibre and 3g salt per portion.
Preparation time: less than 30 mins
Cooking time: 10 to 30 mins
For the spice paste, place all of the spice paste ingredients, except the vegetable oil, into a food processor and blend to a pulp. 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).
For the sauce, place a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the spice paste and fry gently for 2-3 minutes.
Add the coconut milk and vegetable stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for a further five minutes.
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.)
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.
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. Add the mushrooms to the sauce.
Add the sugar snap peas (or mange tout), deep-fried tofu and udon noodles to the sauce and stir well to combine.
To serve, spoon to the curry into serving bowls and garnish each with fresh coriander leaves, lime wedges and crushed peanuts, to taste.