Thai cuisine is known for its vibrant flavours, the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes, and use of fresh herbs and vegetables. It is heavily influenced by the country’s geography, climate, and history, mixing Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian culinary traditions. Popular ingredients in Thai cuisine include lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, coconut milk, and chilli peppers. Some classic dishes include pad Thai (stir-fried noodles), tom yum (a spicy and sour soup), green curry, and mango sticky rice.
Thai food is also known for its unique presentation, with dishes often served with a variety of condiments, including chilli flakes, fish sauce, lime wedges, and fresh herbs. In addition, Thai cuisine often features a mix of textures, from crunchy peanuts to tender meats and noodles.
One of the most popular and classic Thai dishes is green curry. This spicy and fragrant curry is made with a blend of fresh green chillies, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and coconut milk, and can be served with a variety of meats, seafood, or vegetables. Here’s a recipe for green curry with chicken:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons green curry paste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced eggplant
- 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
- Jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions:
- In a large pot or wok, heat the coconut milk over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
- Add the green curry paste, fish sauce, and sugar to the pot. Stir well.
- Add the chicken to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes or until browned.
- Add the bamboo shoots, bell peppers, and eggplant to the pot. Stir well.
- Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Add the Thai basil leaves to the pot and stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the green curry hot with steamed jasmine rice.
Enjoy this flavorful and spicy Thai dish, perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
