Aromatic Prawns and Noodle Medicine Soup

Ingredients for Aromatic Prawns and Noodle Medicine Soup

• 6 whole cloves

• 6 green cardamom pods

• 4 star anise pods

• 3 dried chillies de árbol

• 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks

• 2 teaspoons black peppercorns

• 1 bunch coriander

• 3 medium shallots, halved through root ends

• 5 garlic cloves, smashed

• 2 (6-inch) pieces lemongrass, tough outer layer removed, lightly smashed

• 1 (4-inch) piece ginger, peeled, sliced 1/2-inch thick

• 2875ml low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

• 80g cashews

• 1 medium shallot, chopped

• 1 Fresno chilli, chopped

• 1 (3-inch) piece lemongrass, tough outer layer removed, finely chopped

• 1 (1-inch) piece ginger, peeled, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon prawns paste with bean oil

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 4 (350g) packages ramen noodles

• 450g prawns, peeled and deveined

• 230g mung bean sprouts

• 4 spring onions, thinly sliced on a diagonal

• Fresh tender herbs (such as Thai basil, coriander, and/or mint)

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Chilli oil and lime wedges (for serving)

Toast cloves, cardamom, star anise, chillies, cinnamon, and peppercorns in a large pot over medium heat, tossing often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add coriander, shallots, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, broth, and fish sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until flavours meld, 1–1 1/2 hours. Strain into a large bowl, pressing on solids. Return broth to pot; season with salt and pepper.

Pulse cashews in a food processor until very finely ground. Add shallot, chilli, lemongrass, ginger, brown sugar, and prawns paste; process until smooth. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium and cook paste, stirring, until beginning to brown, about 2 minutes.

Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain; rinse under cold water. Bring broth to a simmer, add prawns, and cook until cooked through, about 2 minutes. Divide noodles among bowls. Add 2 tablespoons paste to each and ladle broth over; stir to incorporate paste. Top with prawns, sprouts, spring onions, and herbs; season with pepper. Serve with chilli oil and lime wedges alongside.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.