Thai Green Curry, known as “Gaeng Keow Wan” in Thai, is a popular and aromatic Thai dish that features a rich and creamy green curry sauce. It is one of the many delicious curries found in Thai cuisine and is renowned for its vibrant flavors and vibrant green color.
Key ingredients in Thai Green Curry include:
- Green Curry Paste: The base of the curry is a paste made from green chili peppers, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, shallots, cilantro roots, and various spices. This paste is what gives the curry its distinct color and spiciness.
- Coconut Milk: The curry is made creamy and flavorful by the addition of coconut milk. It provides a sweet and rich base for the dish.
- Protein: Common proteins used in Thai Green Curry include chicken, shrimp, fish, or tofu. These proteins are cooked in the curry sauce, absorbing its flavors.
- Vegetables: Various vegetables like Thai eggplant, bamboo shoots, bell peppers, and basil leaves are often added to the curry to enhance its taste and texture.
- Thai Basil Leaves: These leaves contribute a unique herbal and slightly peppery flavor that complements the curry’s spiciness.
- Fish Sauce: A staple in Thai cooking, fish sauce adds depth and umami to the curry.
- Palm Sugar: This sweetener balances out the flavors by adding a touch of sweetness to the dish.
- Kaffir Lime Leaves: These aromatic leaves provide a citrusy and tangy note to the curry.
Thai Green Curry is typically prepared by first sautéing the green curry paste in oil, releasing its aromatic flavors. Then, coconut milk is added to create a creamy and fragrant base. The protein and vegetables are added and cooked until they are tender and infused with the curry’s flavors. The curry is often served with steamed jasmine rice.
The resulting dish is a harmonious blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, with the creaminess of coconut milk providing a soothing contrast to the heat of the green chili peppers. Thai Green Curry is a beloved Thai dish both in Thailand and internationally, and its popularity is a testament to the richness and complexity of Thai cuisine.