Khao Soi

Vegan Khao Soi Recipe (serves 2)

For the purple sweet potato noodles

1. Purple sweet potato noodles: 250–300 g (store-bought or homemade)
2. Salt: pinch
3. Water for boiling

Boil until just tender, drain, keep warm.

Khao Soi curry / base

A) Curry paste (blend)

1. Coriander stems: 1 packed cup
2. Red fresh chili: 2–4 (adjust heat)
3. Ginger: 1 tbsp, grated
4. Garlic: 4 cloves
5. Onion: 1 small, chopped
6. Lemon grass: 1 stalk (white part), chopped (or 2–3 tbsp minced)

Blend with a splash of water if needed.

B) Roasted chickpea flour

1. Chickpea flour (besan): 3–4 tbsp
2. Oil: 1–2 tsp (optional)

C) Liquids + seasoning

1. Coconut milk: 3/4 to 1 cup (about 180–240 ml)
2. Water: 1 to 1 1/2 cups (to thin to gravy consistency)
3. Salt: to taste
4. Optional: vegan fish sauce alternatives or soy sauce 1 tsp (optional depth)

Method

1. Heat a pan and dry roast chickpea flour (medium heat) until light golden and nutty aroma (about 3–5 min). Keep aside.
2. In a pot, add a little oil and sauté the blended curry paste for 2–4 min (stir well; don’t burn).
3. Add water and stir.
4. Whisk in the roasted chickpea flour (to avoid lumps), then simmer 8–12 min until slightly thickened.
5. Add coconut milk, salt, and simmer 2–4 min. Taste for salt/heat.
6. Keep warm for assembly.

Separate toss items (for assembling “perfect bite”)

Make these separately so each component has its own texture.

1) Chili garlic tossed mushrooms

1. Mushrooms: 200 g, sliced
2. Garlic: 2–3 cloves, chopped
3. Chili garlic (or chili flakes + garlic oil): 1–2 tbsp (to taste)
4. Soy sauce (optional): 1 tsp
5. Sesame oil or neutral oil: 1 tsp
6. Salt if needed

Sauté mushrooms on high until browned and then toss with chili-garlic.

2) Tofu (pan crisped or tossed)

1. Firm tofu: 250 g
2. Cornstarch: 1–2 tbsp (optional for crisp)
3. Oil: 1–2 tsp
4. Salt + black pepper
5. Optional chili garlic: 1–2 tsp

Pan-crisp cubes, then toss lightly if you want extra chili aroma.

3) Carrot toss (simple bright)

1. Carrot: 1 medium, julienned
2. Olive/neutral oil: 1–2 tsp
3. Salt + pinch of chili flakes
4. Optional lime/lemon juice: 1–2 tsp

Quick toss for freshness (don’t overcook).

Toppings (as you described)

1. Fresh steamed edamame: 1 cup
2. Tossed tofu, carrot, mushrooms (small portions)
3. Coriander greens (chopped)
4. Spring onion (sliced)
5. Crispy brown onion: 2–3 tbsp (or to taste)

Assembly (big “perfect bite” bowl concept)

1. In each bowl: add purple sweet potato noodles.
2. Pour khao soi curry over/around noodles (so they get coated).
3. Add a “bite” mix on top: tofu + carrot + mushrooms.
4. Finish with edamame + coriander greens + spring onion + crispy brown onion.

Nutritional value (estimate for 2 people)

Because portion sizes (how much coconut milk, noodles amount, and toppings) can change a lot, the numbers below are realistic estimates for a typical serving:

1. Curry base uses ~1 cup coconut milk total
2. Noodles total ~250–300 g cooked amount
3. Tofu ~250 g
4. Edamame ~1 cup
5. Veg toppings moderate (carrot + mushrooms)

Per person (approx.)

1. Calories: ~650–850 kcal
2. Protein: ~20–30 g
3. Carbs: ~70–105 g
4. Fat: ~25–40 g
5. Fiber: ~10–18 g
6. Key micronutrients:Beta-carotene/Vit A (carrot)
7. Antioxidants (purple sweet potato)
8. Plant protein + minerals (tofu + edamame)
9. Healthy fats (coconut + tofu)

Why purple sweet potato noodles help (benefits, nutrition angle)

1. More anthocyanins (antioxidants) than regular starch noodles
2. Often higher fiber depending on product type
3. Can support overall gut health and oxidative-stress balance

Skin benefits of Lemongrass (for your tea)

1. Antioxidant protection: Lemongrass contains antioxidant compounds that may help reduce oxidative stress—one of the drivers of dullness and premature signs of aging.
2. Anti-inflammatory support: Can help soothe the “inflammation pathway,” which may be helpful for skin that looks red, irritated, or acne-prone (effects vary person to person).
3. May support clearer-looking skin: Its natural antimicrobial/toning reputation (traditional use) may support a healthier skin environment.
4. Hydration + warmth: A warm tea won’t replace skincare, but staying hydrated and reducing stress can indirectly support a more balanced complexion.

Lemon Grass + Ginger Tea Recipe (1–2 cups)

Ingredients

1. Lemongrass: 1–2 stalks (about 8–12 inches), bruised and cut (use pale inner part if very tough)
2. Fresh ginger: 1–2 tsp grated (or thin slices)
3. Water: 2–3 cups
4. Optional (choose one):Honey: 1–2 tsp (once warm)
5. Lemon: a few drops
6. Cinnamon: a small pinch for extra warmth

Method

1. Bruise lemongrass (crush lightly with the back of a knife) and cut into small pieces.
2. In a pot, add water + lemongrass + ginger.
3. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer 8–12 minutes.
4. Turn off heat, cover and steep 3–5 minutes.
5. Strain and serve warm. Add honey/lemon only after the tea is warm (not piping hot).

How to drink (simple)

1. 1 cup daily or 2–3 times per week is a good start.

Lemongrass benefits for the skin (what it may help with)

1. Soothing & calming: Lemongrass is often used for a cooling, calming feel—may help reduce the look of irritation for some people.
2. Antioxidant support: It contains antioxidant compounds that can help protect skin from oxidative stress (supporting overall “healthy-looking” skin).
3. Antibacterial potential: Lemongrass has natural antimicrobial properties, which may help with acne-prone skin (supportive, not a cure).
4. Helps with oiliness (indirectly): Many people find it makes skin feel less oily/greasy after cleansing.
5. Cooling after sun: The gentle, aromatic nature can feel refreshing for post-sun or hot-weather skin.

Patch test recommended—herbal toners can still irritate sensitive skin.

Lemongrass tea (how to make)

Ingredients

1. Fresh lemongrass: 1–2 stalks (chopped)
2. Water: 2 cups (about 500 ml)

Steps

1. Crush the lemongrass slightly (bruise with the back of a knife) to release oils.
2. Add to a pot with water.
3. Boil 5–10 minutes (start gently; then simmer).
4. Turn off heat, cover, and let it cool.
5. Strain and refrigerate.

How to use as toner

1. Use it after cleansing with a cotton pad or by patting with clean hands.

Simple Lemongrass toner (fresh, DIY)

Ingredients

1. Fresh lemongrass: 1–2 stalks (chopped)
2. Water: 2 cups (500 ml)

Method

1. Boil: Chop lemongrass + water, boil 8–12 minutes.
2. Cool completely: Let it cool to room temperature.
3. Strain well.
4. Pour into a clean glass bottle.
5. Refrigerate.

How to apply

1. After cleansing: spray (if you have a sprayer) or apply with cotton pad.
2. Pat gently, then moisturize.
3. Use once daily to start, or every other day if your skin is sensitive.

Storage & safety

1. Best used within 3–5 days (fresh-brew toner).
2. Do not use on broken skin.
3. Stop if you feel burning, redness, or itching.

Optional (stronger but still simple)

If you want it a bit more effective, you can reduce the tea by simmering a little longer, but don’t over-concentrate (can irritate).

If you tell me your skin type (oily, dry, sensitive, acne-prone), I’ll suggest the best frequency and how strong to make the toner.