Massaman Magic a Deliciously Authentic Curry Adventure

Massaman Curry Recipe My Deliciously Authentic Thai Adventure
By Chef Baker

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself craving Thai but wanting something different? Our massaman curry recipe is your answer. It is a flavour explosion that's nutty, rich, and oh-so-comforting.

Brief Overview

Massaman curry hails from Central Thailand. It's got Persian influences. It takes about 2 hours to make, but it's mostly simmering. This recipe serves 4-6, perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

Did you know peanuts are packed with protein and healthy fats? That makes this peanut curry recipe nutritious and delicious.

This dish is perfect for a cosy night in. What makes it special? The incredible depth of flavour from our homemade massaman paste .

Honestly, you won't believe the difference.

Let's dive into what makes this thai curry recipe so good.

Unlocking the Magic of Massaman: What You Need

So, you are probably wondering what goes into a good authentic massaman curry ? Don't worry, it's not as daunting as it seems.

We'll either be making a massaman curry paste recipe from scratch, or grabbing a high-quality one from the shops. You know how much better homemade always tastes, right?

The All-Stars of Our Massaman Team

For the paste: dried red chilies, garlic, shallot, ginger, lemongrass, coriander, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, shrimp paste (optional), white pepper, salt, oil and brown sugar.

And for the curry: vegetable oil, chicken thighs (or your favourite protein), coconut milk, fish sauce, tamarind paste, potatoes, onion, peanuts, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, star anise, and lime juice.

I always say, prep your ingredients beforehand. It makes life so much easier.

Essential Gear: Get Your Kitchen Ready

You'll need a food processor or mortar and pestle. Then a large pot or Dutch oven, plus your usual chopping board and knives.

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, let's talk about the bits and bobs you'll need. Don't worry, this massaman curry recipe is pretty straightforward. I promise, even my mate Dave, who once burned toast, managed it!

Main Ingredients

Here's what you need for this thai curry recipe , my friend. Exact measurements are key.

  • Dried red chilies : 2 , deseeded and soaked. Go for decent quality; it makes all the difference.
  • Garlic : 3-4 cloves , minced. About 12 g .
  • Shallot : 1 small , roughly chopped. Around 30 g .
  • Ginger : A thumb sized piece, peeled and chopped. Say 20 g .
  • Lemongrass : 1 stalk , finely chopped. Also 20 g .
  • Ground coriander : 1 tsp ( 5 ml ).
  • Ground cumin : 1/2 tsp ( 2.5 ml ).
  • Ground cloves , cinnamon, cardamom: 1/4 tsp each ( 1.25 ml ).
  • Shrimp paste : 1/2 tsp ( 2.5 ml ) (optional, but it adds a real kick!).
  • Ground white pepper : 1/4 tsp ( 1.25 ml ).
  • Salt : 1 tsp ( 5 ml ).
  • Oil : 2 tbsp ( 30 ml ).
  • Brown sugar : 1 tsp ( 5 ml ).

That's all for the homemade massaman curry paste recipe . Either make your own, or go to the international market or asian supermarket.

For the actual coconut milk curry , you'll need:

  • Vegetable oil : 2 tbsp ( 30 ml ).
  • Chicken thighs : 500g ( 1.1 lb ), diced. You can also use beef. This can become a massaman curry beef !
  • Coconut milk : 400ml ( 13.5 fl oz ) full fat is best!
  • Fish sauce : 2 tbsp ( 30 ml ).
  • Tamarind paste : 1 tbsp ( 15 ml ). This is crucial for that sweet sour tang.
  • Potatoes : 2 medium , peeled and cubed. About 300 g .
  • Onion : 1 large , chopped. Around 150 g .
  • Peanuts : 200g ( 7 oz ), roasted and unsalted. This makes it a peanut curry recipe .
  • Bay leaves : 2 .
  • Cinnamon stick : 1 .
  • Star anise : 3 .
  • Lime juice : 2 tbsp ( 30 ml ).

Seasoning Notes

Okay, the spice combo is what makes an authentic massaman curry . The cumin, coriander, and cinnamon are essential. Want a richer flavour? A tiny pinch of ground star anise works wonders.

Don't have tamarind paste? Use a mix of lime juice and a touch of brown sugar.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple.

  • Food processor or mortar and pestle. For that paste, obviously.
  • Large pot or Dutch oven. A slow cooker massaman curry is great too.
  • Chopping board and knife, to cut the ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons and cups to get the amounts correctly.

Honestly, that's it! Most kitchens have these already.

So, there you have it, all the bits and bobs to make the easy massaman curry recipe ! Ready to get cooking? Let's do this!

And remember, for a vegetarian massaman curry recipe , just swap the meat for tofu or extra veggies!. You'll never go back to pre-made sauces.

Massaman Magic: The Only Thai Curry Recipe You Need

Honestly, who doesn't love a good curry? But this massaman curry recipe ? Oh my gosh, it's next level. It's a deliciously authentic curry adventure and the flavors are simply unforgettable.

Forget your usual Friday night takeaway. This one's worth the effort, I promise! It's like getting a hug from the inside.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, let's get organised. This isn't MasterChef , but a little prep goes a long way. Chop your garlic (12 g), shallots (30 g), ginger (20 g), and lemongrass (20 g).

Dice those potatoes (300 g) and onions (150 g). Prepping my ingredients helps me streamline the cooking process.

Spice It Up: Making Your Own Massaman Paste

You can buy massaman curry paste , but making your own homemade massaman paste is seriously rewarding. Soak 2 dried red chilies , then blitz them in a food processor with your prepped ingredients.

Add 1 tsp ground coriander , 1/2 tsp ground cumin , 1/4 tsp ground cloves , 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon , 1/4 tsp ground cardamom , 1/2 tsp shrimp paste (optional), 1/4 tsp ground white pepper , 1 tsp salt , 2 tbsp oil , and 1 tsp brown sugar .

You'll get a fragrant, flavor packed paste that’s way better than anything from a jar. Plus you will be able to adjust the heat of your peanut curry recipe .

step-by-step to Curry Perfection

  1. Sauté the paste: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot. Add your glorious curry paste and cook for 3- 5 minutes , until your kitchen smells amazing.
  2. Brown the protein: Add 500g diced chicken (or beef, lamb, or firm tofu if you want a vegetarian massaman curry recipe ) and brown on all sides.
  3. Coconutty goodness: Pour in 400ml full fat coconut milk , 2 tbsp fish sauce , and 1 tbsp tamarind paste . Add 2 bay leaves , 1 cinnamon stick , and 3 star anise . This is where the coconut milk curry magic happens.
  4. Simmer time: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 45- 60 minutes , until the meat is super tender. Add the potatoes and onions for the last 30 minutes .
  5. Peanut power: Stir in 200g roasted peanuts and 2 tbsp lime juice . Simmer for another 5- 10 minutes . Boom. Taste and adjust. Done.

Pro Tips and Tricks of the Trade

  • Toast those nuts! Toast the peanuts before adding them, it brings out the flavour.
  • If you're short on time, use a good quality store-bought easy massaman curry recipe paste, but seriously, try making your own sometime.
  • Got leftovers? This is even better the next day! The flavours just meld together beautifully. You could even adapt this to be a slow cooker massaman curry , just adjust the liquid levels.

Alright, now go forth and conquer that authentic massaman curry ! You got this.

Recipe Notes

Alright, so you've got the basic recipe. But let's talk real talk, yeah? Cooking isn't just about following instructions. It's about making it your own .

Making it Look Swish: Plating and Presentation Ideas

Honestly, even a simple thai curry recipe looks amazing in a nice bowl. But if you wanna be extra, sprinkle some fresh coriander and chopped peanuts on top.

A wedge of lime adds a pop of colour. Serve with fluffy jasmine rice, et voila ! You're a culinary artist.

On a side note, I love to pair this with a glass of something cold and citrusy. A crisp white wine also pairs wonderfully.

Storing Like a Pro

  • Fridge Rules: Leftover massaman curry recipe will happily chill in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it's in an airtight container.
  • Freezing Fun (Maybe): You can freeze it, but the potatoes might get a bit mushy. If you're gonna do it, use a freezer safe container. It'll last a good 2-3 months.
  • Reheating Realness: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. A splash of coconut milk can bring it back to life. I find stove is always better!

Remixing the Massaman Curry Recipe : Variations to Try

  • Veggie Vibes: Wanna go green? Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas. Loads of veggies work a treat with this, too, making it an awesome vegetarian massaman curry recipe .
  • Spice It Up (or Down): Not a fan of the heat? Use fewer chillies in the homemade massaman paste . Or, if you're a chilli fiend, add a few extra! It's your curry, do your thing.
  • Seasonal ingredient swaps: In autumn and winter months try adding butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or pumpkin. These not only make a hearty filling but also add vibrant colour and nutritional value.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Okay, I'm not a nutritionist. But this is a coconut milk curry , so it's got some good fats. The chicken (or tofu) gives you protein.

And the veggies? Well, they're good for you, innit? Generally, each serving packs roughly 650 calories, 35g of protein, 45g of fat, 30g of carbs, and 5g of fiber.

It's an easy massaman curry recipe that is satisfying. Plus, the authentic massaman curry spices have anti inflammatory properties.

Don't freak out about the numbers too much. Just enjoy your food, yeah?

Honestly, with this peanut curry recipe , you can make it in a slow cooker massaman curry , and you just can't go wrong with this! It is a guaranteed winner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Massaman Curry, and what makes this massaman curry recipe so special?

Massaman Curry is a uniquely delicious Thai curry influenced by Persian cuisine, offering a milder, sweeter flavour profile than other Thai curries. Our recipe aims for an authentic taste while remaining accessible, perfect for both weeknight dinners and impressing your mates at a dinner party.

It uses a balance of traditional ingredients and easy-to-follow steps to bring the rich, nutty flavour of Massaman right to your kitchen, no trip to Borough Market required!

Can I make this Massaman Curry recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make a vegetarian Massaman Curry, simply substitute the chicken (or other meat) with firm tofu, butternut squash, or other hearty vegetables like chickpeas. For a vegan version, also replace the fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.

Be sure to double check your curry paste ingredients as some store-bought brands might contain shrimp paste, which should be avoided for a completely vegan dish.

My Massaman Curry isn't as flavourful as I'd hoped! What did I do wrong?

Flavour in Massaman hinges on a good curry paste, so make sure you don't skimp on the quality if you're using a pre-made one. Sautéing the paste for a few minutes in oil until fragrant is also crucial to release its aromas. Furthermore, low and slow simmering allows the flavours to meld beautifully.

Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning more fish sauce for salt, tamarind for sourness, or brown sugar for sweetness until it hits the spot, Bob's your uncle!

How long can I store leftover Massaman Curry?

Leftover Massaman Curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months, although the potatoes may become slightly softer upon thawing. When reheating, add a splash of water or coconut milk if needed to restore the desired consistency.

Just remember, like a fine wine (or a good cup of tea), some things are best enjoyed sooner rather than later!

Is Massaman Curry healthy? What about the calories and fat?

Massaman Curry can be a relatively healthy dish, providing protein and fibre from the meat/tofu, vegetables, and peanuts. However, it does contain a significant amount of fat from the coconut milk, so moderation is key.

You can reduce the fat content by using light coconut milk, but be aware that this will affect the richness and flavour. Consider pairing it with a large portion of rice to balance the ratios on your plate.

Can I adjust the spice level in this Massaman curry recipe?

Absolutely! Massaman is famous for being one of the mildest Thai curries, so it's easily adjusted to your preference. To increase the heat, add more dried red chilies to your curry paste, or a pinch of chili flakes to the finished curry.

If you're sensitive to spice, remove the seeds from the chilies before soaking them, or reduce their quantity overall. Remember, you can always add spice, but you can't easily take it away!

Massaman Magic A Deliciously Authentic Curry Adv

Massaman Curry Recipe My Deliciously Authentic Thai Adventure Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:30 Mins
Cooking time:01 Hrs 30 Mins
Servings:4-6 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories650
Fat45g
Fiber5g

Recipe Info:

CategoryMain Course
CuisineThai

Share, Rating and Comments: