Authentic Thai Red Curry Recipes

AUTHENTIC THAI RED CURRY WITH CHICKEN

Steps:

• Cut onion, bell pepper, and eggplant into bite size pieces and set aside. (I like large chunks on my spoon, so I don't cut them too small).
• Shred carrots with a vegetable peeler and set aside.
• Cut tomatoes in half and set aside.
• Cut chicken into bite size pieces and set aside.
• Pour the oil into a five-quart pot and put over medium heat.
• When the oil is hot, but not smoking, add the Thai Red Curry Paste and stir, sautéing for about 2 minutes. (I like my Thai Red Curry the same as I ate it in Thailand, very spicy. Therefore, I use about 6 to 8 tablespoons of curry paste. My guess is most people would use about five. Any less, what's the point? Use your judgment for what you like.).
• Add the coconut milk and chicken stock, then throw the chicken bullion cube in the pot and stir.
• After the liquid begins to boil, add the vegetables, carrots, and tomatoes.
• Add sugar, lemon juice, sweet basil leaves, and crushed basil, then bring to a boil again. (I usually turn the heat down and allow the vegetables to cook for about five minutes or so before adding the chicken.).
• Add the chicken and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and simmer for about five more minutes.
• Serve with hot Jasmine rice.

THAI RED CURRY

Steps:

• Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat and fry 1 tbsp ginger and 1 tbsp garlic paste for 2 mins. Add 5-6 tbsp red curry paste, sizzle for a few secs, then pour in 800ml coconut milk.
• Bring to the boil, reduce to a simmer, stir a little and wait for the oil to rise to the surface.
• Add 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks, and lime leaves, and simmer for 12 mins or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Add 1 tbsp of the fish sauce and a pinch of brown sugar, then taste - if you like it a little saltier, add more fish sauce; if you like it sweeter, add a little more sugar.
• Bring to the boil, take off the heat and add ½ small pack Thai basil.
• Spoon the curry into four bowls and top with 1 red chilli, a thumb-sized piece of ginger and a few extra basil leaves. Serve with jasmine rice.

AUTHENTIC THAI RED CURRY PASTE

Steps:

• Prepare all ingredients as instructed above.
• Drain the chillies and discard liquid.
• In a food processor, puree the chillies and all the other fresh ingredients until very fine.
• Grind all the spices together (you can use a mortar and pestle - I use a small food processor).
• Add the roasted shrimp paste to the spices and grind again until combined.
• Add the spice/shrimp paste mix to the puree and mix well.
• Store in a tightly sealed glass jar in the refrigerator or freeze in 1/4 cup or 1/2 cup portions.
• 1/2 cup of the paste is sufficient for sauce for 500g/1lb of meat.