riacmt@ubvmsa.cc.buffalo.edu (Carol Miller-Tutzauer) (12/27/90)
Below is an easy Thai curry recipe (Vegan & Chicken versions). You can add other things according to your own tastes (holy basil, fish sauce, chopped hot Thai chiles, lemon grass, galanga, shrimp paste, etc.). Enjoy! -- Carol ----------------------- Red or Green Thai Curry ----------------------- 2 T red or green curry paste (use more for hotter curry; Mae Ploy brand is excellent; if you want vegan, watch out for shrimp paste as an ingredient in most brands; Curry paste is available in "packets" about the same size as you've seen for chili, taco, or meatloaf seasoning mixes, in small cans, and -- my favorite -- in large plastic tubs; the stuff will store in your refrigerator indefinitely.) 3 T vegetable oil 3/4 lb boneless chicken meat, cut into 3/4-inch pieces OR 1 c tofu, sliced into strips about 1/4-inch thick and 1 to 2 inches long (if using tofu, try to get the "seasoned" tofu available in the refrigerated unit at the Asian market; it is soy-sauce colored) 2 cans (unsweetened) coconut milk (approx. 3 c in all) 1 c water or chicken broth 1/2 c baby corns 1/2 c straw mushrooms (or substitute other mushroom of your choice) 1/2 c sliced bamboo shoots 5 kaffir lime leaves (dried are fine; these are available in packages on the bottom -- usually dusty -- shelf of the Asian market; they look like dried, curled-up leaves) 1/2 t salt (more or less to taste) if green curry, 10 fresh basil leaves if red curry, 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into matchstick-size strips Fry curry paste in oil in saucepan until fragrant. Add chicken (if using) and saute for about 1 minute over medium high heat. Add remaining ingredients except basil leaves or red bell pepper. Bring just barely to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 20-30 minutes. Just before serving, stir in basil leaves or red bell pepper. Serve with cooked Thai Jasmine rice (also available at the Asian market -- ask if they have a smaller amount if you don't want to buy a 20-lb bag; they will often make one up for you).