Massaman Curry is a rich and aromatic Thai dish that perfectly balances sweet, savoury, and spicy flavours. Originating from southern Thailand, this curry is known for its creamy coconut milk base and complex blend of spices. Follow this authentic recipe to recreate the exotic taste of Massaman Curry in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (substitute with beef, tofu, or vegetables for a vegetarian option)
- 2 tablespoons Massaman curry paste (available at Asian grocery stores or homemade)
- 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cardamom pods
- 3 cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
- Fish sauce, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Massaman curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add garlic and onion, sauté until softened.
- Add chicken (or your choice of protein) to the pot and cook until browned.
- Pour in coconut milk and stir well to combine.
- Add potatoes, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaf, tamarind paste, and palm sugar. Stir to combine.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in roasted peanuts and season with fish sauce and salt to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Tips:
- Adjust the amount of Massaman curry paste according to your preferred level of spiciness.
- For extra richness, use thick coconut cream instead of coconut milk.
- Toast the spices briefly in a dry pan before adding them to the curry to enhance their flavour.
- Massaman Curry tastes even better the next day as the flavours have had time to meld together, so it's great for leftovers!
Variations:
- Substitute chicken with beef, lamb, shrimp, or tofu for a different twist.
- Add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or green beans for extra colour and nutrition.
- Experiment with different garnishes like sliced red chilli, lime wedges, or fried shallots.
Nutritional Information:
- The calorie content of Massaman Curry can vary depending on the ingredients used and portion sizes. On average, a serving of Massaman Curry with chicken contains approximately 350-400 calories.
Conclusion:
Massaman Curry is a delightful dish that showcases the diverse flavours of Thai cuisine. With its creamy coconut base and fragrant spices, it's sure to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the streets of Thailand. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its authenticity and depth of flavour. Try it today and experience the magic of Massaman Curry for yourself!
