The great things about thsi recipe is that the noodles are high in low G.I. slow-burning carbohydrate, the broth is full of antioxidants and will increase your sodium intake if you need to replace lost salts after a sweaty workout. The prawns are an excellent source of protein and minerals such as selenium, iron, zinc and magnesium.  You can add extra vegetables such as peppers or mange tout if you like.

Method

1. Peel the raw shrimp (pack of raw frozen shrimp (defrosted) is a good alternative), remove the dark vein and set aside. Place the shells and heads in a pan with the stock. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes.

2. Strain the stock and discard the shells. Bring the stock to the boil again and add the lime leaves (alternatively, use zest of 2 limes, plus juice of ½ a lime), ginger and lemon grass (outer layers of the lemongrass removed, inner parts bashed with a rolling pin to release the flavor).

3. Boil rapidly for several minutes and then turn down to a low heat.

4. Add the mushrooms, tomato, scallions and chili paste and chilies.

5. Cook the noodles according to the pack instructions in a separate pan and drain.

6. Add the shrimp to the stock pan, then the lime juice, sugar and fish sauce and simmer for a couple of minutes until the shrimps turn pink. Adjust the flavor with more chili sauce, fish sauce, sugar or lime juice if necessary. Remove the lemon grass, as this is not nice to eat, then add the noodles.

7. Stir in the cilantro and serve. You could serve some extra chilies on the side if you like a bit of extra heat …