Creamy Laksa Risotto Soup with Crispy Mantou Breadcrumbs

Name: Creamy Laksa Risotto Soup with Crispy Mantou Breadcrumbs
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio Rice; 6 cups Vegetable Broth; 1 can (400ml) Coconut Milk; 4 tablespoons Laksa Paste; 2 medium Shallots; 3 cloves Garlic; 1/4 cup Dried Shrimp (optional); 1 block Firm Tofu (optional); 1 cup Bean Sprouts; 2 medium Mantou (Chinese Steamed Buns); 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil; 1/4 cup Fresh Coriander; 1/4 cup Fresh Mint; 1 wedge Lime; to taste Salt; to taste Pepper

Experience a fusion of Italian sophistication and Nyonya spice with this creamy Laksa Risotto Soup. Arborio rice simmers in a fragrant laksa broth, then topped with golden-brown mantou breadcrumbs for an unforgettable Singaporean twist on a classic comfort food.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Total Time

60 minutes

Calories

650

Level

Medium

Yields

4 servings

Cost

S$2.74

Season:

☀️ Summer•tropical•monsoon-comfort

Meal Type:

Dinner•Snack•Soup•Bread

Cuisine:

Italian•Thai

Main Ingredient:

Rice

Mood:

Comfort Food•Healthy

Ingredients

Servings

1cupArborio Rice(Do not rinse the rice.)

S$0.75

6cupsVegetable Broth(Low-sodium recommended.)

S$1.20

1can (400ml)Coconut Milk(Full-fat for best flavor.)

S$1.20

4tablespoonsLaksa Paste(Adjust to your spice preference; available at most Asian supermarkets.)

S$0.90

2mediumShallots(Finely chopped.)

S$0.40

3clovesGarlic(Minced.)

S$0.15

0.3cupDried Shrimp (optional)(Soaked in warm water for 15 minutes, then minced. Ommit for vegetarian version)

S$1.00

1blockFirm Tofu (optional)(Diced and pan-fried for added protein.)

S$1.75

1cupBean Sprouts(Washed and trimmed.)

S$0.60

2mediumMantou (Chinese Steamed Buns)(Day-old mantou works best.)

S$1.50

2tablespoonsVegetable Oil(For cooking and breadcrumbs.)

S$0.05

0.3cupFresh Coriander(Chopped, for garnish.)

S$0.60

0.3cupFresh Mint(Chopped, for garnish.)

S$0.60

1wedgeLime(For serving.)

S$0.25

to tasteSalt

to tastePepper

Total Cost

S$10.95

S$2.74 per serving

The Method

1
Prepare the Laksa Broth: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic (and minced dried shrimp, if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2
Introduce the Laksa Paste: Stir in the laksa paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aroma. The kitchen will fill with a rich, spicy fragrance.
3
Simmer with Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Maintain a gentle simmer throughout the risotto-making process. Keep warm on low heat.
4
Toast the Rice: In a separate pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the Arborio rice and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly translucent. This helps to release the starch for a creamy texture.
5
Begin Risotto: Add one ladle of the hot laksa broth to the rice, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding one ladle of broth at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each ladle of liquid to be absorbed before adding the next. This process should take about 20-25 minutes.
6
Add Coconut Milk and Tofu (optional): Once the rice is cooked al dente (slightly firm to the bite), stir in the coconut milk and the pan-fried tofu. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and the risotto has reached a creamy consistency.
7
Prepare Mantou Breadcrumbs: While the risotto is cooking, prepare the mantou breadcrumbs. Dice the mantou into small cubes. Place in a skillet with a drizzle of vegetable oil and toast over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, bake the mantou breadcrumbs in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
8
Garnish and Serve: Stir in the bean sprouts into the risotto for the last minute of cooking. Ladle the Laksa Risotto Soup into bowls. Sprinkle generously with the crispy mantou breadcrumbs, fresh coriander, and fresh mint. Serve immediately with a wedge of lime for squeezing over the top.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (450g)

650 kcal / 2720 kJ

Carbs

68g

26% of RDA

Fat

35g

50% of RDA

Protein

18g

36% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

6 g

20% of RDA

Sugar

12 g

13% of RDA

Sodium

1200 mg

52% of RDA

Saturated Fat

25 g

125% of RDA

Chef's Tips

For a richer flavor, use homemade laksa paste. Many recipes are available online. Remember to adjust the quantity to taste.

Don't overcrowd the rice while toasting; work in batches if necessary.

For a vegan version, ensure the laksa paste is vegan-friendly. Some pastes contain shrimp or fish sauce. Substitute tofu for any dried shrimp called for.

Cooking Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven

Skillet

Oven (optional)

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

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Chef's Tips

For a richer flavor, use homemade laksa paste. Many recipes are available online. Remember to adjust the quantity to taste.

Don't overcrowd the rice while toasting; work in batches if necessary.

For a vegan version, ensure the laksa paste is vegan-friendly. Some pastes contain shrimp or fish sauce. Substitute tofu for any dried shrimp called for.

Creamy Laksa Risotto Soup with Crispy Mantou Breadcrumbs

Ingredients

The Method