Last Monday of 2020 and only 4 days until this year is over! After all the holiday feasting, let’s start this week with a light and colorful recipe.
This Red Curry Noodle Soup with Crispy Tofu is full of veggies and rice noodles…because you can’t have a spicy soup without noodles in my opinion. It is super flavorful and just a little spicy from the curry paste, and topped with crispy pan seared tofu for extra protein. Delicious, easy to make, and ready in about 20 minutes!
________________________
Soup:
3 shallots, finely diced
3 garlic gloves, minced
1 small piece of ginger, grated or 1/2 tbsp ginger paste
1 tbsp avocado or coconut oil
3 tbsp vegan-friendly red Thai curry paste (or to taste)
1 cup canned coconut milk *
3 cups vegetable broth
1 small head o broccoli, cut into florets
2 carrots, sliced (I used one red and one yellow)
1 bell pepper, cut into pieces
1 tbsp coconut aminos or light soy sauce
1/2 tbsp coconut sugar
1/2 tbsp lemongrass paste (optional)
2 servings of rice noodles
Tofu:
1/2 package (7 oz/200 g) extra firm tofu, lightly pressed (or use super firm tofu)
1 tbsp avocado or coconut oil
Pinch of salt
Plus:
Fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro
Method:
Cut tofu in half horizontally, wrap in a clean kitchen or paper towel, and press lightly for 10 minutes.
Cook noodles according to package directions (deduct 1 minute of cooking time), rinse and set aside.
Cut tofu into cubes, and season with a pinch of salt.
Heat up 1 tbsp of oil, and sear tofu from all sides until crispy and browned, about 2 minutes each side, medium heat. (I use a cast iron skillet for that).
Add the second tbsp of oil to a pan or wok and sauté shallots, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Then add curry paste, and stir for a minute.
Add coconut sugar, coconut milk, coconut aminos, lemongrass, vegetable broth, chopped veggies, and bring to a boil.
Let simmer for 5 minutes (or until vegetables have reached desired tenderness), then add cooked rice noodles, and simmer for another minute.
Season to taste with a pinch of salt, and squeeze over some fresh lime juice.
Top soup with the crispy tofu, chopped cilantro, and enjoy!
(Makes 2 servings)
