Laksa Gravy

Ingredients

• 6 small red chili peppers soaked
• 1 each lemongrass stalk
• 8 each shallots
• 1 medium onions
• 4 slices galangal root
• 4 each candlenuts
• 1/2 teaspoon shrimp paste
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon turmeric ground
• 2 teaspoons coriander ground
• 2 tablespoons shrimp pounded
• 2 cans coconut milk
• 1/2 pound chinese fish balls
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Pound together chiles, lemon grass, shallots, galangal, candlenuts and shrimp paste or grind in food processor or blender, adding 1 1/2 tablespoons oil.
2. Stir in turmeric and coriander.
3. Heat remaining oil in large saucepan.
4. Add ground ingredients and fry gently, stirring frequently, 4 to 5 minutes.
5. Add dried shrimp and fry 2 minutes.
6. Remove thick coconut milk from top of unshaken can with ladle.
7. Combine remaining milks.
8. There should be 3 cups thinner coconut milk.
9. Add thin coconut milk and reserved shrimp stock to fried mixture and bring to boil, stirring constantly.
10. Add fish balls and simmer 5 minutes.
11. Add thick coconut milk and salt and simmer until gravy thickens.