Tofu and mushroom pad Thai recipe

Place the noodles in a large bowl and pour over warm water to cover. Leave to soak for 20 minutes or until soft, then drain.

Meanwhile, make the sweet-and-sour paste. Mix the tamarind paste with a little hot water to loosen. Add the soy sauce and palm sugar; mix, taste and adjust to give a nice combination of sweet, salty and sour.

Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a wok or large frying pan. Fry the tofu in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and beginning to crisp. Remove from the wok and set aside.

Heat the remaining oil in the wok and fry the garlic and shallots for 30 seconds. Add the mushrooms and red chilli and cook for 2 minutes until beginning to soften. Add the noodles and stir-fry for 2 minutes, then push to one side. Add the eggs and allow to set, then scramble and mix with the noodles.

Add the sweet-and-sour paste and stir well. Toss in the spring onions, carrot and tofu and cook for a few minutes. Divide among serving bowls, sprinkle with the herbs, and serve with the lime wedges.