Vegetables of Choice (choose whichever vegetables of choice)
1red peppersliced
1cartoncremini mushroomssliced
1broccoli crowndiced into small pieces
1small bunchChinese broccoli
1smallzucchiniSliced
Optional Toppings
Thai basilchopped
cilantro chopped
sliced chilies
lime wedges
bean sprouts
Instructions
Cook the Noodles
Prepare rice noodles according to packaging instructions. Typically this involves boiling hot water, and soaking the noodles for about 10 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the tofu
Drain and press the tofu.
In a lightly oiled skillet, brown tofu on each side with. If avoiding oil, you may brown on a non-stick skillet on medium.
Set aside and lightly sprinkle with oil.
Saute the veggies
In the same skillet, add 2-3 tbsp mild oil like sunflower and sauté the veggies, starting with the mushrooms, then onions, red pepper and lastly zucchini and broccoli as they tend to cook quickly. Add 1 tsp of salt.
When veggies are vibrant, but not overcooked remove from flame and set aside.
Prepare the broth
In a large pot, add 2-3 tbsp of a mild oil.
Add shallots, garlic, ginger and chillies and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the sharp smell from the shallots and garlic reduces.
Add 2 tsp curry powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric and 1 can of coconut milk.
At this stage, add the optional aromatics: lemongrass stalk and kaffir lime leaves.
Add vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp sugar and simmer for 10 minutes on a medium-low flame until the broth is fragrant.
Squeeze in the juice of about 1/2 a lime. Add more or less depending on your preference.
Prepare the soup
Once broth base is fragrant, adjust salt to taste. Add the vegetables and tofu back into the soup and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Assemble in bowls with the cooked rice noodles and optional toppings of choice.
Notes
If you are unable to find Thai chilies, use 1 tsp cayenne pepper instead, or omit altogether
If avoiding oil, you may
"Water sauté" the vegetables in broth lightly before adding to the soup.
Brown the tofu without oil on a medium-low flame.
Sauté the curry base (ginger, shallots garlic) in a little bit of coconut milk instead of oil.