Thai Green Curry
Cracking the coconut cream until the oil separates, then frying the paste in it, is the step that turns a flat curry into a fragrant one. Twenty-five minutes from paste to table.
Method
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Open the tin of coconut milk without shaking it and spoon the thick cream from the top into a wok. Reserve the thin milk below.
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Heat the thick cream over medium-high heat for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring, until it splits and clear coconut oil pools at the edges.
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Add the curry paste and fry it in that oil for 3 to 4 minutes, pressing and stirring, until intensely fragrant and darkened.
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Add the chicken and stir to coat, cooking 3 minutes until sealed.
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Pour in the reserved thin coconut milk and the coconut cream, add the lime leaves, and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Add the aubergine and bamboo shoots and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the aubergine is tender.
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Season with the fish sauce and palm sugar, tasting as you go — it should be salty, then sweet, with heat behind it.
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Take off the heat and stir in most of the Thai basil, the sliced chillies and the lime juice.
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Serve with jasmine rice, scattered with the remaining basil.
Chef’s Tips
- Full-fat coconut milk only. Light coconut milk cannot crack and the curry will taste thin.
- Fry the paste properly — three minutes, not thirty seconds. This is where the flavour is made.
- Thai basil is not Italian basil; its anise note is central. If unavailable, use extra lime leaves.
Pairing Suggestions
- A cold lager or an off-dry Riesling
- Serve with jasmine rice and a cucumber salad
- Finish with fresh mango
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate 3 days, freeze 2 months. Add fresh basil and lime on reheating to revive the aromatics.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.