Warm Up With This Butternut Squash & Tamarind Laksa Recipe

When it’s this cold outside, it seems that even the hottest cup of tea isn’t capable of warming you up. If this is a reality for you, then it might be time to heat things up with a spicy bowl of soup and there’s none better than laksa. Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that’s very popular in Southeast Asia and there are many different versions out there. This delicious Butternut Squash & Tamarind Laksa recipe, courtesy of Vitamix, features a bold sauce paired perfectly with roasted squash, tofu, and flavourful fresh herbs. Trust us – it’s so warming, comforting and just everything you want on a chilly evening. Be mindful that this recipe takes a bit of elbow grease as you’ll be making your own laksa paste but it’ll all be worth it in the end once you have your first taste!

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Here’s how to make this super tasty laksa recipe!

Serves: 6

Ingredients for the laksa paste:

• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds, lightly toasted
• 2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds, lightly toasted
• 3 whole star anise, lightly toasted
• ½ cinnamon stick, lightly toasted
• ¼ cup (25 g) green chiles
• ¼ cup (40 g) garlic, peeled and chopped
• ⅓ cup (65 g) fresh ginger root, peeled and chopped
• ⅓ cup (60 g) galangal, peeled and chopped
• 3 stalks lemongrass, tough outer layer removed and finely sliced
• 6 lime leaves, stemmed and chopped
• 1 bunch cilantro
• ⅔ cup (150 ml) vegetable oil

Method:

1. Lightly grind toasted coriander seeds, cumin seeds, star anise, and cinnamon stick in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle. Place spice mixture, green chiles, garlic, ginger, galangal, lemongrass, lime leaves, cilantro, and oil in the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure the lid.
2. Select the lowest setting. Start the machine, slowly increase to its highest speed, and remove the lid plug, using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades. Blend for 1 minute. Stop the machine. 
3. Remove ¼ cup (60 g) for this recipe. Freeze the remainder for future use.

Ingredients for the laksa:

• 3 Tablespoons coconut oil
• ¼ cup (60 g) laksa paste, from recipe above
• star anise
• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 1 cinnamon stick, or 1/8 teaspoon ground, 1.5″
• ½ red onion, peeled, diced
• 1 red chili pepper, halved and seeded
• 2 small garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and finely sliced
• 4 lime leaves
• ¼ cup (50 g) fresh ginger root, peeled and chopped
• 3 Tablespoons fresh turmeric, peeled and chopped
• 1 bunch cilantro, stems chopped and leaves reserved, divided use
• 3 Tablespoons tamarind paste
• 2 Tablespoons grated palm sugar
• 2 Tablespoons fish sauce
• ¾ cup (150 ml) coconut milk
• 1½ limes, juiced, plus more if needed

Method:

1. Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add laksa paste, star anise, coriander seeds, cinnamon stick, red onion, red chili pepper, and garlic. Fry for 5 minutes, or until soft, fragrant, and starting to caramelize.
2. Add lemongrass, lime leaves, ginger, turmeric, and cilantro stems. Continue to fry for 5 minutes.
3. Add tamarind paste, palm sugar, and fish sauce. Cook until palm sugar has dissolved, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add coconut milk and 2 cups (480 ml) water. Gently simmer for 15 minutes. Take off heat and allow to cool. Discard star anise and cinnamon stick.
4. Once cool enough to handle, place mixture into the Vitamix container and secure the lid. Select the lowest setting. Start the machine, slowly increase to its highest speed, and blend for 1 minute, or until smooth. Add lime juice and stir. Check seasoning and add more lime juice or fish sauce if needed, to taste.

To Serve:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (300 g) butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 package (400 g) soba noodles
• 2 cups (300 g) smoked tofu, diced into ⅓-inch (1-cm) cubes
• ½ bunch fresh mint leaves
• 1 red chili pepper, seeded and finely sliced
• 1 bunch green onions, green parts finely sliced, white parts shredded and crisped up in ice water
• 6 lime wedges

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place butternut squash on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, or until cooked through and beginning to caramelize. Remove from oven and set aside.
3. Bring a large pan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add soba noodles and bring to a rapid simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, or until al dente, but keep an eye on them as pan can easily boil over. Drain and rinse under cold water.
4. To serve, divide noodles among 6 bowls. Pour on piping hot laksa. Garnish with roasted butternut squash, smoked tofu, mint leaves, chili pepper, green onions, and a wedge of lime on the side. Serve immediately.

Feature Image & Recipe: Vitamix