Classic Pad Thai

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the garlic, chiles, palm sugar, tamarind paste and fish sauce and heat, stirring occasionally, until the palm sugar and tamarind paste have dissolved. Remove from the heat and stir in the lime juice. Set aside.

In large bowl, soak the noodles in hot water to cover until pliable but not mushy, about 5 minutes. Drain the noodles and set aside.

Warm a wok or large fry pan over high heat, then swirl in the canola oil. Add the shrimp and red pepper flakes and stir-fry until the shrimp begin to turn pink, about 2 minutes. Pour in the eggs and cook, without stirring, until lightly set, about 30 seconds, then stir well to scramble the eggs with the shrimp. Add 1/3 cup (3 fl. oz./80 ml) of the sauce and the drained noodles. Cook, lifting and stirring the noodles constantly, and adding more of the sauce if the noodles seem dry, until the ingredients are thoroughly blended, about 2 minutes. Stir in the tofu, carrots, bean sprouts and green onions and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 2 minutes more.

Transfer the noodles to a platter. Garnish with cilantro, peanuts and lime wedges and serve immediately. Serves 4.