Thai green curry, or Kaeng Khiao Wan, is a beloved culinary staple throughout Thailand and the rest of the world. It is renowned for its unique balance of flavors, with sweet, spicy, and savory elements all featured prominently in the dish. Whether devoured as part of a traditional Thai meal or simply served as a light snack, one thing is certain: Thai green curry will always leave your taste buds wanting more.
What makes authentic Thai green curry so sought-after?
Authentic Thai green curry has a few key ingredients that make it stand out from other curries. The first is green chillies, the spiciness of which is often tempered by the addition of creamy coconut milk. The dish also contains galangal, a type of ginger root, that adds a unique flavor and aroma to the dish. Coriander, lemongrass, and fish sauce are also key components of authentic Thai green curry, each adding their own distinct flavor profiles. Finally, Thai basil and kaffir lime leaves are often used to garnish the dish, giving it an extra flavorful zing.
Getting started with your own authentic Thai green curry
Authentic Thai green curry can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home, thanks to a range of pre-packaged curry pastes now available in New Zealand. These pastes provide an easy way to get started with your own Thai green curry, although you may prefer to make your own from scratch. Either way, the following ingredients are essential for any authentic Thai green curry dish:
- Green chillies
- Coconut milk
- Galangal
- Coriander
- Lemongrass
- Fish sauce
- Thai basil
- Kaffir lime leaves
Once you’ve gathered the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Begin by heating a few tablespoons of oil in a pan and stirring in the green chillies, galangal, coriander, and lemongrass. Once these ingredients are fragrant and lightly browned, pour in the coconut milk and let it simmer for a few minutes before stirring in the fish sauce.
Serving and enjoying your Thai green curry
Once you’ve added the fish sauce, your Thai green curry is ready to be served! For the best results, serve it with a side of jasmine rice and your choice of vegetables. Before serving, make sure to garnish your curry with freshly chopped Thai basil and kaffir lime leaves. These herbs will add a burst of flavor and aroma to your meal and make it taste truly authentic!
So, why should New Zealanders try authentic Thai green curry? Well, it’s simple: the combination of flavors and textures make it an unforgettable culinary experience. The spiciness of the chillies is balanced out by the sweetness of the coconut milk, and the contrasting textures of the herbs, spices, and vegetables all make for a delightfully diverse dish.
