A Good Thai Curry
I love a good Thai curry! The complex spice of a curry paste with the creaminess of coconut milk and delicate citrus of lemon grass deliciously coating any variety of meat and vegetables is appealing on many levels. When I first started eating Thai curry my first thought was always that it must be really complicated to make. The stories of how Thai cuisine is best left to only true Thai chefs were stories that resonated – after all, the flavours, when done right, are very simple, but they come together in a very tasty and unique way.
Thai Curry – A Nice Change of Pace
After a bit of snooping and cooking, I have come to think that a good home cooked Thai Curry can be created very easily. Sure, an expert Thai chef might turn his or her nose up at it, but then we are just trying to get a delicious meal on the table in a reasonable amount of time. Plus, a Thai curry is something that is a bit different for a weeknight meal and it makes for a nice change of pace.
What is even better about Thai curry is that it can be made anyway you like. Any meat and vegetables can be used – chicken, duck, pork, etc. And, no, it does not have to be spicy. My four year old insists on a spice free existence. A Thai curry can be made non spicy and still be delicious. For flavour inspiration I might find a take out menu from my favourite Thai restaurant and pick a curry I would like to try and recreate.
Thai Curry Paste
A main ingredient in Thai Curry is Thai Curry Paste. No, I do not go through the trouble of making my own. I just made it a priority to taste as many as I could. Typically there is a red, yellow and green curry paste. The differences are primarily in the colour of the chilis used and the spices. Not all of them are hot, but it is wise to read the label as some curry pastes can knock your socks off!
Other interesting ingredients in a Thai Curry include lemongrass and fish sauce, both Thai staples that should be available at your grocery. They add real depth and nuance to a curry and their importance should not be overlooked.
Since I am a card carrying flexitarian, I will often use tofu and go vegetarian or vegan in my Thai curries. Of course, it is easy to swap ingredients in and out, so I might just make a Thai curry with whatever I have on hand. Here is the recipe for my Tofu and Sweet Potato Thai Curry. I make it with red curry paste, but it would be equally good with green or yellow!
- 1 medium sweet potato
- 1 tbsp of your favorite red curry paste
- 1 stalk of lemon grass
- 1 block of firm tofu
- 1/2 lb shiitake or button mushrooms
- 2 cans coconut milk (if you prefer a drier curry, use 1 can)
- 1 tbsp of fish sauce
- 1 lime
- 3 green onions
- 1 big bunch of cilantro
- unsalted peanuts
- vegetable oil
- salt and pepper
- With the back of a heavy knife or a meat mallet, bruise the stalk of lemon grass.
- Wrap the tofu in a paper towel. Place a few heavy plates on the tofu to remove as much excess water as possible. Cube the tofu into medium cubes.
- Peel the sweet potato and dice it into small cubes.
- Slice the mushrooms
- Cut the green onion into thirds.
- Using a rasp, zest the lime. Cut the lime in half.
- Chop the cilantro.
- In a large saute pan, heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil over medium low heat. Add the sweet potato and cook the potato until soft. If the sweet potato caramelises it does not matter.
- When the potato cubes are soft add the curry paste and lemon grass. Toss well and cook 2-3 minutes. Increase heat to medium and add the tofu and lime zest. Toss well. Heat the tofu through cooking about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and cook 2 minutes or until they just start to sweat.
- Add the coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Add the fish sauce. Stir well and let simmer 15 minutes.
- Add the juice of half the lime or to taste.
- Taste for seasoning. Adjust the taste with curry paste, fish sauce, lime juice, and/or salt and pepper to your liking.
- Serve the curry on rice topped with peanuts and chopped cilantro.
A Thai curry for a weekday supper is easy to do and so tasty. I hope you give it a try and I hope you enjoy!!
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