What is Massaman Curry (Thailand)
Massaman curry is a popular Thai dish that is known for its
rich, creamy, and spicy flavor. It is a type of curry that is influenced by
Indian and Malay cuisine and is typically made with beef, chicken or lamb,
potatoes, onions, peanuts, and a variety of spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon,
cumin, and coriander.
Really delicious Massaman Curry (Thailand) |
The dish is usually cooked in a coconut milk-based sauce,
which gives it its distinctive creamy texture. The curry is typically served
with steamed rice or roti and is often garnished with chopped cilantro,
roasted peanuts, and sliced red chili peppers.
Massaman curry is believed to have originated in southern
Thailand, where it was influenced by Muslim traders who brought spices and
culinary techniques from India and the Middle East. It has since become a
popular dish throughout Thailand and is enjoyed by people all over the world.
How to make Massaman Curry (Thailand)
Here's a recipe for Massaman Curry that serves 4-6 people:
Ingredients:
1 pound of beef or chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 can (13.5 oz) of coconut milk
2 tablespoons of massaman curry paste
1 onion, sliced
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 cup of roasted peanuts
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of tamarind paste
1 tablespoon of palm sugar
1 cinnamon stick
2 cardamom pods
2 bay leaves
3-4 kaffir lime leaves
Vegetable oil
Salt
Instructions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of
vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the massaman curry paste and stir-fry
for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the sliced onion and stir-fry until softened.
Add the beef or chicken and stir-fry until browned on all
sides.
Add the diced potatoes, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, bay
leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. Stir well.
Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-40
minutes until the meat is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
Add the fish sauce, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and roasted
peanuts. Stir well and taste for seasoning. Add salt as needed.
Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce has
thickened.
Serve the Massaman Curry hot with steamed rice or roti.
Note: You can adjust the amount of curry paste and chilipeppers to your desired level of spiciness. You can also add other vegetables
such as carrots or bell peppers if you like. Enjoy!