If you're looking for a delicious and flavourful dish that's easy to make, look no further than Thai curry. This classic Thai dish is packed with aromatic herbs and spices, creamy coconut milk and tender vegetables, making it a favourite among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
What is Thai Curry?
Thai curry is a dish that originated in Thailand and is made with a combination of aromatic herbs and spices, coconut milk and vegetables or meat. There are several different types of Thai curry, such as red, yellow and green, which are differentiated by the type of chilli used in the curry paste.
Ingredients Required to Make Thai Curry
Before we get started, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need to make Thai curry:
● Curry Paste: The base of Thai curry is a flavourful paste made with a combination of herbs and spices. You can make your own paste using ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, ginger, garlic, shallots, coriander, cumin and chilli peppers or you can use store-bought paste.
● Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is used to give Thai curry its rich and creamy texture. You can use either full-fat or light coconut milk, depending on your preference.
● Vegetables: The vegetables used in Thai curry can vary depending on your preference. Some popular choices include bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and onions.
● Protein: If you want to add protein to your Thai curry, you can use tofu, tempeh or seitan or you can use meat like chicken, beef or shrimp.
Making Paste for Thai Curry
Now that we have the ingredients, let's start with making the paste for Thai curry:
Ingredients
● 3-4 Thai green chili peppers
● 2-3 shallots, chopped
● 2-inch piece of fresh galangal, peeled and chopped
● 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
● 3-4 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
● 2-3 stalks of lemongrass, chopped
● 1 tsp coriander powder
● 1 tsp cumin powder
● 1/2 tsp salt
Method
1. In a blender or food processor, combine all the ingredients and blend until you have a smooth paste.
2. If the paste is too thick, you can add a little water to thin it out.
Sautéing Curry Paste: Once you have the paste ready, it's time to sauté it:
Ingredients
● 2-3 tbsp oil
● Curry paste (from the previous step)
Method
1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the curry paste and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. The paste will become fragrant and slightly browned.
Adding Vegetables to the Curry Paste: Now it's time to add the vegetables:
Ingredients
● 2-3 cups of vegetables of your choice
● 1 can of coconut milk
● Salt to taste
Method
1. Add the vegetables to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the coconut milk and salt to taste.
Preparing the curry: Now that you have added the vegetables and coconut milk, it's time to prepare the curry:
Ingredients
● Prepared curry paste
● Sautéed vegetables in coconut milk
● 1/2 cup of water
● Protein (optional)
Method
1. Add the prepared curry paste to the pan with the vegetables and coconut milk.
2. Add the protein of your choice (if using).
3. Add 1/2 cup of water and bring the curry to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Expert Tips to Make Thai Curry and Serving Suggestions
Here are some expert tips to help you make the perfect Thai curry:
● Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices will make a huge difference in the flavour of your Thai curry. If possible, use fresh lemongrass, galangal and ginger.
● Adjust the spiciness: Thai curry can be quite spicy, so adjust the amount of chili peppers you use to your taste. If you prefer a milder curry, you can remove the seeds from the chili peppers before blending them.
● Serve with rice: Thai curry is traditionally served with rice, which helps to absorb the delicious sauce.
● Top with fresh herbs: Garnish your curry with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for added flavour and aroma.
Conclusion
Thai curry is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for any occasion. With the right ingredients and a little bit of practice, you can make a flavourful and fragrant curry that will impress your family and friends. So, give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
FAQs
Can I make Thai curry with green curry paste?
Yes, you can make Thai curry with green curry paste. Simply substitute the red curry paste in the recipe with green curry paste.
Is Thai curry vegetarian?
Thai curry can be made vegetarian or vegan by using tofu, tempeh or seitan instead of meat.
Can I use frozen vegetables in Thai curry?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in Thai curry. Simply thaw the vegetables before adding them to the pan.