Homemade Thai Red Curry Paste Recipe from www.thespruceeats.com
Introduction
Thai cuisine is known for its bold and flavorful dishes, and curry is no exception. Red Thai curry paste is a key ingredient in many popular Thai dishes such as curries, soups, and stir-fries. Making your own curry paste from scratch may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple and allows you to control the level of spiciness and flavor to your liking.
Ingredients
To make red Thai curry paste, you will need the following ingredients:
10-15 dried Thai red chili peppers
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon chopped lemongrass
1 tablespoon chopped galangal
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 tablespoon chopped shallots
1 teaspoon shrimp paste
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Begin by soaking the dried Thai red chili peppers in hot water for 10-15 minutes until they are soft. Drain the water and remove the stems from the peppers. 2. Toast the coriander and cumin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool. 3. In a food processor or blender, combine the soaked chili peppers, toasted coriander and cumin seeds, chopped lemongrass, galangal, garlic, shallots, shrimp paste, salt, and sugar. 4. Process the mixture for 2-3 minutes until it forms a smooth and uniform paste. 5. In a separate skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the curry paste and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the paste is fragrant and the oil begins to separate. 6. Remove the skillet from heat and let the curry paste cool completely. 7. Transfer the cooled curry paste to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
While red Thai curry paste is not typically consumed in large quantities, it does contain a number of healthful ingredients such as chili peppers, coriander, and cumin. These ingredients are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, and may have a positive impact on overall health. However, it’s important to note that curry paste also contains shrimp paste, which is high in sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Conclusion
Making your own red Thai curry paste is a great way to add bold and authentic flavor to your favorite Thai dishes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a paste that is tailored to your taste preferences and free from preservatives and additives. Give this recipe a try and elevate your next Thai-inspired meal!
