Red Thai Curry

Coming from Goa and with a strong leaning towards coconut enhanced food, thai food is a clear favourite. The smooth fragrant curry with steamed Basmati rice is quick easy and very festive. The Green variation is less spicy buts just as fragrant. The kaffir leaves can be substituted with thickly sliced lemon peel( make sure you take it out before serving though). Thai curry pastes are now readily available, but if you want to go the whole hog , Look below the recipe for the basic pastes' recipe.

Here is a quick recipe for Red Thai Curry
500 gms boneless chicken pieces ,250 ml thick coconut milk ( packaged ) you can use the coconut powder, follow the steps given on the box to yeild 250 ml of the coconut milk,2 tablespoons oil,1 onion—finely chopped,2 tbsp Thai red curry paste ,2 cloves garlic—finely chopped,1 red pepper (capsicum)cut into medium sized squares,1 yellow pepper cut into medium sized squares,2 tablespoons cornstarch (cornflour) mixed to a paste with 2 tablespoons water ( optional),4 kaffir leaves or thickly peeled zest of 1 lemon or 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 4 large fresh basil leaves, salt to taste.

Heat the oil, saute the onions till soft but not coloured.Add in the lemon zest/ kaffir leaves, chicken and thai curry paste.Cover and cook for about 5 mins.Take 1/2 cup of the coconut milk and mix it with 1/2 cup water. Add this to the chicken and further cook till its tender. Add in the peppers and the remaining coconut milk.Carefully lift out the kaffir leaves or lemon zest . ( if using lemon juice instead, add it in now). If you prefer it to be thicker , add the cornstarch and water paste and stir till the curry bubbles.Garnish with basil leaves and serve with steamed basmati rice.

Basic Red curry paste:
2 small onions sliced
1 " piece galangal or ginger
4 cloves garlic
2 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp chilli powder ( use kashmiri chilli powder for a milder taste)
1 tbsp cumin (jeera)
1 tbsp coriander seeds
2 tbsp dried shrimp
1-2 fresh red chillies

Grind to a smooth paste. can be stored in the freezer for upto a month.