🍛 Massaman Curry (Thailand)

🛒 Ingredients

For the Curry Base

• 2 tbsp massaman curry paste (store-bought or homemade)
• 400 ml coconut milk (1 can)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 500 g beef, chicken, or lamb (cut into bite-sized chunks)
• 2 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• ½ cup roasted peanuts (or cashews)

For Seasoning

• 1 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
• 1 tbsp tamarind paste
• 1 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks
• 2-3 cardamom pods
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt to taste

For Garnish

• Fresh coriander (cilantro leaves)
• Steamed jasmine rice (for serving)
• Lime wedges (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Base:
   Heat oil in a large pot or wok. Add massaman curry paste and fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

1. Add Coconut Milk:
   • Pour in half of the coconut milk and stir until the paste is well mixed and aromatic.

1. Cook the Meat:
   • Add beef/chicken/lamb chunks and cook for 5 minutes until lightly browned.

1. Add Vegetables:
   • Stir in onions and potatoes. Add the remaining coconut milk and 1 cup of water.

1. Season:
   • Add fish sauce, tamarind paste, palm sugar, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, and bay leaves. Stir well.

1. Simmer:
   • Cover and cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes until meat is tender and potatoes are cooked.

1. Finish:
   • Add roasted peanuts and adjust seasoning (more sugar, salt, or tamarind if needed).

1. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh coriander. Serve hot with jasmine rice and lime wedges.