  
  
Laksa Noodle 
 
Rempah Paste 
 
    Shallots, chopped -- 10 
    Garlic, chopped -- 10 cloves 
    Hot chiles, chopped -- from 2 to 10 
    Dried shrimp, soaked and drained -- 3 tablespoons 
    Candlenuts or macadamia nuts (optional) -- 6 
    Curry powder -- 2 tablespoons 
    Coriander -- 1 tablespoon 
    Sugar -- 2 tablespoons 
    Salt -- 2 teaspoons 
 
Soup 
 
    Oil -- 3 tablespoons 
    Chicken stock -- 1 quart 
    Coconut milk -- 2 (15-ounce) cans 
    Lemongrass, white part only, crushed -- 2 stalks 
    Shrimp, peeled and deveined -- 1 pound 
    Deep-fried tofu squares -- 1/2 pound 
    Fresh rice vermicelli or other noodles -- 1 1/2 pounds 
 
Garnishes 
 
    Bean sprouts -- 1/4 pound 
    Hard-boiled eggs, cut in half -- 3 
    Cilantro or Vietnamese coriander (daun kesum) -- 1 bunch 
    Limes, quartered -- 2 
    Chili sambal (optional) -- to taste |