Thai Green Curry Paste is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that forms the heart of many delicious Thai dishes. With its vibrant green color and aromatic blend of herbs and spices, it’s the secret behind the beloved Thai green curry. Making your own homemade curry paste allows you to customize the flavors to your preference and enjoy the freshness of homemade ingredients. In just a few simple steps, you can create this aromatic paste to use in a variety of Thai-inspired recipes.
Servings: 8
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 shallots, chopped roughly
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped roughly
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped roughly
- 1 fresh lemongrass stalk
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime zest
- 3-4 Serrano peppers, seeded and chopped
- ¾ cup fresh cilantro, chopped roughly
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by roughly chopping the shallots, ginger, garlic, and lemongrass. Make sure to remove the tough outer layers of the lemongrass and only use the tender inner part.
- Process in Food Processor: In a food processor, combine all the prepared ingredients: shallots, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, lime zest, Serrano peppers, cilantro, basil, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, salt, lime juice, and coconut aminos.
- Blend to a Smooth Paste: Pulse the mixture until it forms a smooth paste. You may need to scrape down the sides of the processor bowl a few times to ensure everything is well combined.
- Store in an Airtight Container: Transfer your freshly made Thai Green Curry Paste into an airtight container. Make sure it’s sealed properly to maintain the paste’s flavor and aroma.
TIPS:
- Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients. The quality of your shallots, ginger, garlic, and herbs will significantly impact the flavor of your curry paste.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Thai cuisine can vary in spiciness. Adjust the number of Serrano peppers to suit your heat tolerance. Remember to remove the seeds if you prefer a milder paste.
- Storage: Keep your Thai Green Curry Paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for several weeks, allowing you to use it whenever you’re in the mood for Thai flavors.
- Versatility: While this paste is commonly used for green curry, don’t limit yourself. It can add a burst of flavor to stir-fries, soups, marinades, and even salad dressings.
- Freeze for Later: If you’ve made a large batch, consider freezing portions in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag for convenient individual servings.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SERVING):
- Calories: 16
- Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 3.4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Protein: 0.6g
VERSATILE AND FLAVORFUL:
Your homemade Thai Green Curry Paste is now ready to elevate your dishes with authentic Thai flavors. Whether you’re planning a delicious green curry with vegetables and tofu, a spicy stir-fry, or even a fragrant soup, this paste will be your go-to ingredient.
The beauty of making your own paste is the ability to customize it to your taste. Adjust the spiciness, herbs, or other flavors to create a paste that’s uniquely yours. With this homemade paste on hand, you’re just moments away from enjoying the rich and aromatic flavors of Thai cuisine in the comfort of your home.
