Massamun Curry Paste Recipes

Steps:

• Soak chiles briefly in warm water till they begin to soften, then drain.
• Remove stems from chiles and chop into pieces; set aside.
• Place coriander seed in a small skillet over low heat and heat, swirling the pan, until the seeds are fragrant and toasty; remove from heat and set aside.
• In a food processor, place the shallots, lemongrass, garlic, galanga, kaffir lime leaves, cilantro, chopped chiles, coriander seed, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, brown sugar, shrimp paste (if using), and 2 tbsp oil.
• Process till fairly smooth and even colored, adding some more of the oil as necessary to keep blades moving.
• Store in an airtight container under refrigeration; can be frozen, as needed.

Steps:

• Stem the chilies and cut them into small pieces, using kitchen scissors or a knife. There should be about 1\4 cup. Place in a small bowl and add warm water to cover. Let them soak for about 15 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
• Meanwhile, place a small plate by the stove to hold the spices. Combine the cumin and coriander in a small, dry frying pan. Place over medium heat and toast the spices 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and slightly darkened. Remove from the heat and tip out onto the plate. Add the pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, turmeric, and salt, and set aside.
• In a blender or mini food processor, combine the onion, garlic, lemongrass, galanga or ginger, 2 tablespoons water, drained chilies, and spices. Process to a fairly smooth, evenly colored paste, stopping often to scrape down the sides and grind everything well. Add a little more water as needed to keep the blades moving.
• Transfer the curry paste to a jar and seal airtight. Refrigerate until needed for up to 1 month.
• Note: This paste can be frozen for up to 6 months. Consider freezing in tablespoon-size portion if you plan to defrost just enough for one curry at a time.

Steps:

• Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in curry paste and minced ginger; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in the cubed chicken, and cook until the pieces turn white on the outside, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in brown sugar, fish sauce, tamarind paste, peanut butter, potatoes, and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the potatoes are tender and the chicken pieces are no longer pink in the center, about 20 minutes. Add the lime juice and cook for an additional 5 minutes before serving.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6, then roast the peanuts on a baking tray for 5 mins until golden brown. When cool enough to handle, roughly chop. Reduce oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.
• Heat 2 tbsp coconut milk (use the cream on top if there is any) in a large casserole dish with a lid. Add the curry paste and fry for 1 min, then stir in the beef and fry until well coated and sealed.
• Stir in the rest of the coconut with half a can of water, the potatoes, onion, lime leaves, cinnamon, tamarind, sugar, fish sauce and most of the peanuts. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 2 hrs in the oven until the beef is tender.
• Sprinkle with sliced chilli and the remaining peanuts, then serve straight from the dish with jasmine rice.

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high. Season beef with salt and pepper. Working in batches, sear beef, flipping once, until deep golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a bowl.
• Remove fat from pot and wipe out any blackened bits. Reduce heat to medium, then stir in sliced onion and curry paste, scraping up browned bits from bottom of pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, 5 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 can coconut milk and 1/2 cup water.
• Cut beef into 1-inch chunks; return to pot along with any juices. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook, partially covered, 1 hour.
• Remove lid and stir in fish sauce, tamarind mixture, brown sugar, bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, peanuts, potatoes, and remaining onion wedges and 1 can coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper. Return to a simmer and continue to cook, partially covered, until meat and potatoes are tender, about 1 hour more. Check seasoning and add more salt or fish sauce if desired. Serve, with rice, herbs, and cucumber relish.