Taste of Thailand: Beef Massaman Curry

Massaman curry is a traditional Thai dish that comes from the south of Thailand. What makes this curry different from other curries is that it is a fusion between Thai and Indian style curry. The addition of cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg give it that distinct flavour.

An essential ingredient in a massaman curry is roasted peanuts, which add an extra layer of richness and texture to the curry.

If you want a quick and easy dinner, you can use store bought curry paste. If you can’t find massaman curry paste, you can simply use red curry paste which is also readily available. However if you feel up to the challenge, making your own curry paste packs this dish with flavour.

Thai Massaman Curry

5 from 6 votes

Recipe by Jessica Alberts Course: DinnerCuisine: ThaiDifficulty: Medium

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

45

minutes

Ingredients

• 80 grams store bought curry paste (or see recipe below to make your own)

• 3 tablespoons oil

• 500 g cubed beef

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter

• 1 tin coconut milk

• 3 potatoes (peeled and cubed)

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• coriander to garnish

• INGREDIENTS – CURRY PASTE

• 1/4 cup peanuts

• 2 onions

• 5 garlic cloves

• 2 red chillies

• 1 piece ginger (thumb sized)

• 1 stalk lemongrass

• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and ground coriander

• 1/8 ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon fish sauce

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

Method

• To make the curry paste, blend all the ingredients in a food processor or blender with olive oil. If the paste is too thick or get stucks, add more oil to achieve a smooth consistency.

  • 

• Next make the curry. Heat oil in wok or frying pan.
• Add cubed meat and fry for a few minutes until browned.
• Add curry paste and a peanut butter and stir well.
• Add tin of coconut milk and a cup of water and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
• Add potatoes and simmer for further 20 minutes until potatoes are soft.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little extra water.
• Season with fish sauce and brown sugar.
• Serve with steamed jasmine rice and garnish with fresh coriander.

Notes

• You can replace the beef with any protein of your choice.
• To make this dish vegatarian, use any vegetables of your choice instead of the meat.

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