Thai Green Curry Paste: A Flavorful Homemade Delight
Key Takeaways
Â
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Authentic Thai Flavor | Making your own Thai green curry paste allows you to achieve an authentic and robust Thai flavor in your curries. |
| Control Over Ingredients | By making it from scratch, you have full control over the ingredients and can adjust the heat level or flavors to your preference. |
| Preservative-Free | Homemade curry paste is free from preservatives and artificial additives found in store-bought varieties. |
| Cost-Effective | Creating your own curry paste at home is often more cost-effective than purchasing pre-made options. |
Introduction
What is Thai Green Curry Paste?
Thai green curry paste is a flavorful and aromatic blend of fresh herbs, spices, and aromatics that forms the base of many popular Thai curries, such as Thai green chicken curry.Â
This versatile paste is a staple in Thai cuisine, adding depth and complexity to dishes with its unique combination of ingredients.
Why is Thai Green Curry Paste so popular?
The popularity of Thai green curry paste lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into a rich and fragrant curry dish.Â
The blend of flavors, including lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and fiery Thai chilies, creates a distinctive taste that is both bold and well-balanced.
What are the benefits of making Thai Green Curry Paste at home?
Making Thai green curry paste at home offers several benefits:
- Authentic Flavor: By making the paste from scratch, you can achieve a truly authentic Thai flavor that is often difficult to replicate with store-bought varieties.
- Control Over Ingredients: When you make the paste yourself, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to adjust the heat level, balance the flavors, or accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Preservative-Free: Homemade curry paste is free from preservatives and artificial additives commonly found in commercially produced options.
- Cost-Effective: Creating your own curry paste at home is often more cost-effective than purchasing pre-made versions, especially if you plan to use it frequently.
Ingredients
| Course | Cuisine | Difficulty | Servings | Prep Time | Cooking Time | Calories | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main | Thai | Easy | 4-6 | 10 minutes | 0 minutes | 135 kcal | 10 minutes |
Â
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Kaffir lime skin | 15 |
| Lemongrass, chopped | 9 stalks |
| Galangal | 10 slices |
| Thai small chilies (or adjust to desired heat level) | 50 |
| Shallot, chopped and peeled | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, chopped | 3 |
| Shrimp paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander root | 10 grams |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
What Each Ingredient Adds to the Recipe
- Kaffir Lime Skin: Provides a distinct citrusy aroma and flavor that is essential to Thai cuisine.
- Lemongrass: Adds a fresh, lemony, and slightly sweet flavor to the paste.
- Galangal: Contributes a unique, slightly peppery and earthy taste similar to ginger.
- Thai Chilies: Bring the heat and spiciness to the curry paste. Adjust the amount based on your desired heat level.
- Shallot and Garlic: Add depth and aromatic flavors to the paste.
- Shrimp Paste: Provides a savory, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Coriander Root: Contributes a citrusy, slightly peppery flavor to the paste.
- Salt: Helps balance and enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Preparation Time and Servings
This Thai green curry paste recipe yields approximately 1 cup of paste, which is enough for 4-6 servings, depending on the dish you’re preparing.Â
The preparation time is only about 10 minutes, making it a quick and easy recipe to whip up at home.
Hints and Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of Thai chilies to suit your desired heat level.
- If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, a blender or food processor can be used, but the texture may be slightly different.
- For a smoother paste, add a small amount of water or oil while blending.
- Store any leftover paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage.
Variations
- For a milder paste, substitute some of the Thai chilies with red bell peppers or omit them entirely.
- Add a touch of sweetness by including a small amount of palm sugar or honey.
- Experiment with different aromatics like makrut lime leaves, ginger, or turmeric for unique flavor variations.
Serving Suggestions
Thai green curry paste is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as:
- Thai Green Chicken Curry
- Thai Red Prawn Curry
- Vegetable curries
- Coconut milk-based soups
- Stir-fries
- Marinades for meat, seafood, or vegetables
Nutrition Values
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 135 kcal
- Total Fat: 9.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
Difficulty Level: Easy
This Thai green curry paste recipe is rated as easy for several reasons:
- The ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores or Asian markets.
- The preparation process is straightforward and doesn’t require any complex techniques.
- The recipe can be easily adjusted to suit individual tastes and preferences.
- It’s a quick and efficient recipe that can be prepared in under 10 minutes.
Storage
Thai green curry paste can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container.
For longer storage, you can freeze the paste in an airtight container or ice cube trays for up to 3 months.
When ready to use, thaw the frozen paste in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
History of the Thai Green Curry Paste
Thai green curry paste has its roots in the rich culinary traditions of Thailand.
The use of fresh herbs, spices, and aromatics in Thai cuisine dates back centuries, with influences from neighboring regions like India, China, and Malaysia.
The green color of the paste comes from the vibrant green chilies and herbs used, such as cilantro root and makrut lime leaves.
While the exact origins of this specific paste are unclear, it is believed to have originated in central Thailand and has since become a staple in Thai kitchens and restaurants worldwide.
Conclusion
Making your own Thai green curry paste at home is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy the authentic flavors of Thai cuisine.
With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of effort, you can create a flavorful paste that will elevate your curries and other Thai dishes.
Not only is it convenient and cost-effective, but it also gives you complete control over the ingredients and flavors, ensuring a delicious and satisfying culinary experience every time.
FAQs
Can I use regular green chilies instead of Thai chilies?
While regular green chilies can be substituted, they may not provide the same level of heat and distinct flavor as Thai chilies. For the most authentic taste, it’s best to use Thai chilies if possible.
What can I use if I can’t find galangal?
If galangal is not available, you can substitute it with an equal amount of ginger. However, the flavor will be slightly different, as galangal has a more distinct and slightly peppery taste.
Can I omit the shrimp paste?
While shrimp paste adds a savory and umami flavor to the curry paste, you can omit it if you have dietary restrictions or preferences. However, the overall flavor profile will be slightly different.
How long does homemade Thai green curry paste last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade Thai green curry paste will last for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I use a food processor or blender instead of a mortar and pestle?
Yes, you can use a food processor or blender to make the curry paste, especially if you don’t have a mortar and pestle. However, the texture may be slightly different compared to the traditional method of pounding the ingredients.
What dishes can I make with Thai green curry paste?
Thai green curry paste is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as green chicken curry, red prawn curry, vegetable curries, coconut milk-based soups, stir-fries, and marinades for meat, seafood, or vegetables.
Can I adjust the heat level of the curry paste?
Absolutely! You can adjust the heat level of the curry paste by increasing or decreasing the amount of Thai chilies used. For a milder paste, you can substitute some of the chilies with red bell peppers or omit them entirely.
What is the difference between Thai green, red, and yellow curry pastes?
The main difference between Thai green, red, and yellow curry pastes lies in the types of chilies and spices used. Green curry paste uses green chilies, while red and yellow pastes use dried red chilies. Each paste also has a unique blend of herbs and aromatics, resulting in distinct flavors and colors.
Can I use dried spices instead of fresh ones?
While dried spices can be used in a pinch, fresh ingredients will provide the most authentic and robust flavors. Whenever possible, it’s recommended to use fresh herbs, spices, and aromatics for the best taste.
How can I add more depth of flavor to the curry paste?
To add more depth of flavor to your Thai green curry paste, you can try incorporating additional aromatics like makrut lime leaves, ginger, or turmeric. You can also experiment with adding a touch of sweetness by including palm sugar or honey.
Thai Green Curry Paste
1
servings10
minutes0
minutes135
kcal10
minutesThis authentic Thai Green Curry Paste packs a punch of aromatic flavors with its vibrant blend of fresh ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime, Thai chilies, and fragrant herbs.
Made from scratch, it allows you to control the heat level and achieve a truly robust, traditional taste that elevates any Thai curry dish.
Quick and easy to prepare, this versatile curry paste forms the flavorful base for rich and creamy curries, soups, marinades, and more. Ditch the store-bought jars and experience homemade Thai cuisine's bold, nuanced flavors.
Ingredients
15 15 Kaffir lime skin
9 9 lemongrass, chopped
10 10 galangal
50 50 Thai small chili
1 1 Shallot, chopped and peeled
3 3 cloves garlic, chopped grated
1 tbs 1 shrimp paste
10 Grams 10 coriander root
1 tsp 1 Salt
Directions
- Add all the ingredients except shrimp paste into a pestle and mortar and pound until a smooth paste. You can use a blender and add a little water to ease the grinding.
- Once smooth mix in the shrimp paste.
Equipment
ChefSofi Mortar and Pestle Set - 6 Inch - 2 Cup CapacityBuy Now!
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @yournewfoods on Instagram and hashtag it with #yournewfoods
Like this recipe?
Follow @yournewfoods on Pinterest
Share our recipes with your friends
Follow us on Facebook
Make it easy to find this Thai Green Curry Paste Recipe again by saving the below image to your Pinterest account.
