Mee Rebus (Vegetarian)

Mee rebus is a well-loved noodle dish originating from Malaysia and Singapore. Its name, derived from Malay, translates to "boiled noodles." This dish consists of yellow noodles drenched in a flavorful gravy that strikes a delicate balance between sweetness and spice. The gravy is crafted from a blend of ingredients such as sweet potatoes, shrimp paste, dried shrimp, and a medley of spices. 

Common toppings include hard-boiled egg, fried tofu, green onions, bean sprouts, and occasionally crispy shallots. I've had the pleasure of trying various renditions of mee rebus, both from restaurants and street vendors. Interestingly, some of the most satisfying versions I've encountered have been from street vendors, often at a more affordable price. 

However, I've noticed that some gravies can lean towards being overly sweet, and I've yet to come across a vegetarian option. To address this, after careful thought, I created my version. The result was raved about, maintaining the dish's essential flavors while offering a unique twist. In fact, I dare say it rivals, if not surpasses, many others out there.

Ingredients:

Curry Gravy:

10-15 dried red chillies, soaked in water until softened

1-inch piece of galangal (lengkuas)

1/2 inch fresh turmeric (kunyit)

5 shallots

5 garlic cloves

(Blend/pulse these ingredients together)

400g yellow sweet potatoes, boiled until tender, skin removed, and mashed

4 tbsp oil

Other Ingredients:

Yellow noodles, as needed

Boiled eggs, cut into halves (optional)

Spring onions, thinly sliced

Green chillies, thinly sliced

Fried shallots

Bean sprouts, blanched in hot water for a couple of minutes

Lime juice, as needed

 

For Fried Crispy Fritters:

1/2 cup plain flour

1/4 cup rice flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

Water, salt, and pepper, as needed

Oil for frying

 

Method:

For Curry Gravy:

Heat oil in a pan and fry the blended/grounded ingredients until aromatic and the oil separates.

Pour in 1/2 liter of water and simmer.

Once heated through, add the mashed sweet potatoes and stir to combine. 

Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.

Remove from heat or warm up before serving. 

 

For Fried Crispy Fritters:

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the fritters.

Add enough water to create a thick, runny batter.

Heat oil in a frying pan. Spoon the batter into the oil and gently spread it out.

Fry until golden brown, then remove and set aside to cool.

Once cooled, slice into pieces or gently crush them.

To Serve 

Add noodles in a bowl/swallow plate.

Pour gravy atop. 

Top up with the ingredients listed as others and the fried crispy fritters. 

Drizzle some lime juice atop, or serve a slice of lime, by placing on the bowl/plate.