Thai Green Curry

Thai Green Curry, known as “Kaeng Khiao Wan” in Thai, is a popular and aromatic dish that hails from Thailand. This vibrant curry is characterized by its bright green color, which comes from a blend of fresh green chilies, herbs, and spices. Thai Green Curry is a harmonious balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, with creamy coconut milk serving as the base for the curry sauce. Tender pieces of meat or vegetables are simmered in this fragrant curry sauce, absorbing the rich flavors and creating a deliciously comforting dish that is beloved by many.

The secret to the distinctive flavor of Thai Green Curry lies in the homemade green curry paste, which is made by grinding together a variety of fresh ingredients such as green chilies, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, and cilantro. This aromatic paste is then cooked with coconut milk, vegetables, and protein of choice to create a mouthwatering curry that is both satisfying and nourishing. Whether served with steamed rice or noodles, Thai Green Curry is sure to transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Thailand, where the aroma of spices fills the air.

Ingredients for making Thai Green Curry Paste

• 8-10 green Thai chilies, chopped (हरी थाई मिर्च, कटा हुआ)
• 2 shallots, chopped (छोटे प्याज, कटा हुआ)
• 4 cloves garlic (लहसुन के लोग)
• 1-inch piece of galangal, chopped (अदरक का टुकड़ा)
• 1 lemongrass stalk, chopped (नीबू घास की डंडी, कटा हुआ)
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro stems (कटा हुआ धनिया)
• 1 tablespoon chopped kaffir lime zest (कैफ़्फ़िर नींबू का चिलका)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander (धनिया पाउडर)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (जीरा पाउडर)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper (सफेद मिर्च पाउडर)
• 1 tablespoon shrimp paste (झींगा पेस्ट)
• 1 teaspoon salt (नमक)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (वनस्पति तेल)

Method for Making Thai Green Curry Paste

1. Preparation: Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Chop the green Thai chilies, shallots, galangal, lemongrass, cilantro stems, and kaffir lime zest.
2. Blending: In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped green Thai chilies, shallots, garlic cloves, chopped galangal, chopped lemongrass, chopped cilantro stems, chopped kaffir lime zest, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground white pepper, shrimp paste, and salt.
3. Blending: Blend all the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth paste-like consistency. You may need to add a little water to help with blending, but try to keep the paste as thick as possible.
4. Cooking: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended curry paste to the pan and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste. This step helps to release the flavors of the spices and aromatics.
5. Cooling: Allow the Thai green curry paste to cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the paste in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks, or freeze it for longer storage.

Ingredients Required for Making Thai Green Curry

• 200g chicken or tofu, thinly sliced (मुर्गा या टोफू)
• 2 tablespoons Thai green curry paste (थाई ग्रीन करी पेस्ट)
• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk (नारियल का दूध)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, eggplant, bamboo shoots) (मिश्रित सब्जियां)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (मछली की सॉस)
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar (ताड़ का चीनी या भूरा चीनी)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves (ताजा तुलसी पत्तियाँ)
• 2 kaffir lime leaves, torn (कफ़्फ़िर नींबू के पत्ते)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (वनस्पति तेल)

Step-wise Process of Making Thai Green Curry

1. Sautéing the Curry Paste: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add Thai green curry paste to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Adding Coconut Milk: Pour the coconut milk into the pan, stirring well to combine with the curry paste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Adding Protein and Vegetables: Add the thinly sliced chicken or tofu to the pan, along with mixed vegetables of your choice. Stir to coat the ingredients in the curry sauce.
4. Seasoning: Stir in fish sauce and palm sugar, adjusting the quantities to taste. Add torn kaffir lime leaves for extra flavor.
5. Simmering: Allow the curry to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Adding Basil Leaves: Just before serving, add fresh basil leaves to the curry and stir until wilted.
7. Final Touches: Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat.

Number of Servings

This recipe serves 2-3 people.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Important Points to Keep in Mind

• Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Adjust the amount of Thai green curry paste according to your spice preference.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables and protein based on your preferences and dietary restrictions.

How to Serve Thai Green Curry

Thai Green Curry is best served hot, accompanied by steamed jasmine rice or noodles. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and sliced red chilies for extra heat and color. Serve the curry in individual bowls and enjoy with friends and family.

Final Thoughts…

Thai Green Curry is a delightful dish that brings the exotic flavors of Thailand to your table. With its aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender protein and vegetables, it’s a dish that is sure to impress. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner or as part of a special occasion feast, Thai Green Curry never fails to delight with its vibrant flavors and comforting warmth.

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