laksa recipe

3 long fat stalks of lemon grass, mincing only their tender hearts and reserving the rest of the stalks for another use
4 hot red chilies, discarding the stem and as many seeds as you wish to reduce the fire of the paste
4 slices of galangal (substitute ginger if you can't find this fresh)
thumb-size lump of ginger
1 teaspoon shrimp paste
3 shallots, peeled and chopped
3 large cloves garlic
4 Tablespoons peanut oil
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup tamarind paste Put the minced lemon grass hearts, chilies, galangal/ginger, shrimp paste, shallots, garlic, and oil in a blender and liquify it into a speckled mush. Add the cilantro, turmeric, sugar, and tamarind paste and blend at the highest speed until it is a colorful but uniform paste. Scoop into a glass jar (it will stain plastic) and refrigerate until you're ready to use.