Massaman Curry (แกงมัสมั่น)

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2-3 tbsp Massaman curry paste
• 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk, unshaken
• 1 lb beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes (or chicken thighs)
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp tamarind paste dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water, strained
• 1 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
• 1 large potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
• 2-3 cardamom pods, lightly crushed (optional)
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• Steamed jasmine rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Open the coconut milk without shaking. Spoon the thick cream into a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Reserve the thin liquid.
2. Heat the cream until oil separates (3-5 minutes). Add the Massaman curry paste and stir-fry until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
3. Add the beef (or chicken) and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Pour in the remaining thin coconut milk, beef broth/water, fish sauce, tamarind water, and palm sugar. Add optional cardamom pods and cinnamon stick.
5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1.5 - 2 hours (or until beef is very tender). If using chicken, simmer for about 30-40 minutes.
6. Add the onion wedges and potato cubes to the pot. Simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
7. Stir in the roasted peanuts.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning - balance the sweet, sour, and salty flavors.
9. Remove cinnamon stick and cardamom pods (if used) before serving.
10. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.

What Makes It Special:

Massaman curry is a unique Thai curry with influences from Indian and Malay cuisines. It's milder and richer than green or red curries, characterized by fragrant 'dry' spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, alongside typical Thai ingredients. The slow-cooked meat becomes incredibly tender, and the potatoes soak up the complex, slightly sweet, tangy, and savory sauce. It's often considered one of the world's most delicious foods.