Step 1

To make the laksa paste:

Step 2

Grind together all the ingredients for 20 minutes or so in a pestle and mortar until smooth. Set aside.

Step 3

To make the soup:

Step 4

Shell the prawns, removing the tails also. Set the flesh aside. Place all the shells into a large saucepan with 500ml water the sugar and salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Pass through a fine seive retaining the liquid. Discard the shells.

Step 5

Heat a wok with the oil then add the laksa paste together with the lemon grass stalks and fry until the oils begin to separate. Tip in all the coconut milk, the prawn stock and fish sauce and bring to a boil. Simmer gently for 30 minutes.

Step 6

Drop in the prawns and simmer for 3-4 minutes until cooked. Remove from the heat. Add the sugar and lemon juice to your taste.