**Prepare the Laksa Bread Bowls:** In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Incorporate the laksa paste during the last few minutes of kneading, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round loaf.
Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a sharp knife or scissors to create a circular incision on the top of each loaf, about 1 inch from the edge. Gently pull out the inner dough to create a bread bowl shape. Brush with a little olive oil.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly before filling.
**Prepare the Laksa Risotto:** Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add remaining laksa paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Add the Arborio rice and stir to coat with the laksa paste. Cook for 1 minute.
Gradually add the chicken broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly and allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. This process should take about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is al dente and the mixture is creamy.
Stir in the coconut milk, tofu puffs, and fish cake. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the flavors have melded.
**Grill the Prawns:** While the laksa risotto is simmering, preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill pan.
Grill the prawns for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
**Assemble and Serve:** Ladle the Laksa risotto into each bread bowl. Top with grilled prawns and a dollop of sambal belacan.
Garnish with bean sprouts (if using) and serve immediately with lime wedges.
Adjust the amount of laksa paste according to your spice preference.
For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
Ensure the Arborio rice is cooked al dente for the best texture.
You can use other types of seafood, such as scallops or mussels, in addition to or instead of prawns.
The bread dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the fish cake.
Large Bowl
Baking Sheet
Oven
Large Pot
Grill Pan
Small Bowl
No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.