Massaman Curry

Jerry and I have quite an affinity for Thai food. Spicy curries are so filling and satisfying and make a complete meal all in one bowl. They are also easier to make than you might expect! My only suggestion is to have all your ingredients measured and ready to go, as the process of cooking goes very quickly. This recipe has chicken in it, but you can easily omit it, or replace it with beef if you prefer.

Serves:

2-4

Ingredients:

• 1-2 chicken breasts, chopped into small pieces
• 1-2 medium potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 14 oz light coconut milk
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium tomato, sliced into small wedges
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
• 1/3 cup onion, sliced
• 1 1/2 inch ginger, grated
• 4-5 cloves garlic
• 1 red chili, or 3/4 tsp red pepper chili flakes
• 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken stock
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 cup chopped unsalted dry-roasted peanuts or cashews
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp whole cumin seed
• 1/2 white pepper
• 1 Tbsp lime juice
• 4 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar

Cooking:

1. Heat a wok, large frying pan, or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Swirl the oil around, adding the onion, ginger, garlic, and chili. Stir-fry 1-2 minutes.
2. Add the stock, bay leaves, turmeric, chopped nuts, ground coriander, whole cumin seeds, white pepper, lime juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Bring to a light boil.
3. Add the chicken pieces, stirring to coat. Stir in the coconut milk and potatoes. Bring back to a boil, reduce the heat to low, allowing to simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender.
4. Add the red pepper and tomato during the final 10 -15 minutes of cooking time. Keep the curry uncovered if you like it thicker, or covered if you would like it thinner. 
5. Taste the curry and adjust your seasoning. You can add fresh coriander, if desired. Serve with jasmine or basmati brown rice.
6. Enjoy!

I accidentally poured half a jar of red chili flakes in this when I first made it, and I desperately tried to scoop out as much as I could. Thankfully it wasn't nearly as spicy as we might order it in a restaurant, so it worked out well. Jerry complimented me by saying that this massaman was better than any he'd ever ordered in a restaurant. Always nice to have a satisfied customer!

-Carly