Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Exotic Thai Curry, a delightful dish that brings together a harmonious blend of spices, vegetables, and creamy coconut milk. This curry is a true representation of Thai cuisine's balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
For the Curry Paste:
- 3 shallots, peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemongrass stalk, finely chopped
- 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, sliced
- 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (optional)
- 2-3 dried red chili peppers, soaked and deseeded
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Zest of 1 lime
For the Curry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, baby corn, bamboo shoots, etc.)
- 1 cup tofu or protein of your choice (chicken, shrimp, etc.)
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- Thai basil leaves, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Curry Paste:
- In a mortar and pestle, grind the coriander seeds and cumin seeds into a fine powder.
- Add all the curry paste ingredients, including the ground spices, to the mortar.
- Grind and pound until a smooth paste forms. You can also use a food processor for this step.
2. Cook the Curry:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the curry paste and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the mixed vegetables and tofu (or protein), and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Coconut Milk and Broth:
- Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
4. Season the Curry:
- Add fish sauce (or soy sauce) and palm sugar to the curry.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning. You can add more fish sauce for saltiness, lime juice for tanginess, or sugar for sweetness.
6. Serve the Exotic Thai Curry:
- Ladle the curry over cooked jasmine rice in serving bowls.
- Garnish with Thai basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra zing.
Tips
- Feel free to customize the vegetables and protein in the curry according to your preferences.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chili peppers to the curry paste.
- For an extra layer of flavor, add kaffir lime leaves and Thai bird's eye chili peppers to the curry while it simmers.
- If you prefer a thicker curry, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
- Serve the curry with steamed jasmine rice for an authentic Thai experience.
Enjoy!
Dive into the exquisite flavors of your homemade Exotic Thai Curry. The combination of creamy coconut milk and bold spices will tantalize your taste buds.
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