Red Curry Paste

Red Curry Paste is a flavorful base used in Thai cuisine. It can be used to prepare a variety of dishes, and its vibrant flavors come from ingredients like dried red chiles, cilantro roots, lemongrass, and ginger. This paste can be made in about 25 minutes.

MAKES: About 3/4 cup

TIME: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 10 Thai or other medium to hot dried red chiles, seeded, or to taste
• 4 dried lime leaves or fresh lime leaves, finely chopped, or 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 stalks lemongrass, peeled, trimmed, and roughly chopped
• 2 shallots, roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1/2 to 1 inch fresh ginger, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons cilantro roots, rinsed well, or 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro stems
• 3 tablespoons peanut oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Soak the dried chiles and lime leaves in warm water for about 15 minutes to soften them.
2. In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the coriander and cumin seeds until lightly browned and fragrant, stirring occasionally. This process should take about 3 minutes.
3. Allow the toasted seeds to cool, then grind them to a powder using a spice or coffee grinder.
4. Drain the softened chiles and lime leaves, and transfer them to a blender or food processor.
5. Add all the remaining ingredients, except the peanut oil, to the blender or food processor.
6. Grind the ingredients to a paste, scraping down the sides as necessary. Gradually add the peanut oil while blending until a fairly smooth and thick paste is formed.
7. Transfer the Red Curry Paste to a tightly covered container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

TIPS FOR RED CURRY PASTE:

• Adjust the number of dried red chiles according to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Cilantro roots provide a distinct flavor. Rinse them well before using to remove any sand or dirt.
• The paste can be used to prepare a Red or Green Curry Sauce by combining it with coconut milk, herbs, and other ingredients.
• Customize the paste by using fresh green chiles instead of dried red chiles and adding ground turmeric for a Green Curry Paste.
• Use the Red or Green Curry Sauce to create flavorful Thai dishes by adding it to meat, seafood, or vegetables.
• Experiment with adding other herbs or spices to the paste to create your own unique variations.

HOW TO USE RED CUUY PASTE:

Here are some suggestions on how to use Red Curry Paste:

• Red Curry Chicken: Heat some oil in a pan, add diced chicken and cook until browned. Add a couple of tablespoons of Red Curry Paste and stir to coat the chicken. Pour in coconut milk and simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
• Red Curry Vegetable Stir-Fry: Heat oil in a wok or skillet, add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry until crisp-tender. Add Red Curry Paste and continue cooking for a minute. Add a splash of coconut milk or vegetable broth to create a sauce. Serve over rice or noodles.
• Red Curry Shrimp: In a pan, sauté shrimp until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add Red Curry Paste and cook for a minute. Stir in coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Return the shrimp to the pan and cook for a few more minutes. Serve with jasmine rice.
• Red Curry Soup: In a large pot, heat some oil and sauté diced onions until translucent. Add Red Curry Paste and cook for a minute. Pour in vegetable or chicken broth, and add your choice of vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and baby corn. Simmer until the vegetables are tender. Add coconut milk and simmer for a few more minutes. Serve hot as a comforting soup.
• Red Curry Noodles: Cook your favorite noodles according to package instructions. In a separate pan, heat some oil and add Red Curry Paste. Stir-fry for a minute, then add cooked noodles and toss to coat. Add vegetables like bean sprouts, sliced bell peppers, and scallions. Cook until heated through and well combined.

Remember, the intensity of the spiciness in the dish will depend on the amount of Red Curry Paste you use. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your preference. Additionally, you can also add other ingredients such as fish sauce, lime juice, and herbs like Thai basil or cilantro to enhance the flavors of your dishes. Enjoy your culinary adventure with Red Curry Paste!