The Indian and Muslim cuisines present distinct approaches to using dried spices in curries, both of which influence Siamese cuisine in different ways. Indian-inspired Siamese curries spotlight chilies for their vibrant color, fragrance, flavor and heat, while spices like cumin and coriander play a supporting role. The spices complement and temper the chilies’ intensity, creating a rounded, multi-layered flavor profile; nonetheless, the chilies remain the star ingredient, gently complemented by the spices.
Conversely, Muslim-influenced curries, such as massaman curry, prioritize spices over chilies. Spices like cardamom, nutmeg and mace take center stage, while the chilies provide subtle background heat rather than being the primary flavor. In these curries, the focus is on the rich, warm and complex aromas created by the blend of spices, which is a defining characteristic of many Muslim dishes.
Moreover, Siamese cuisine favors using rehydrated dried chilies in curries for their depth; this depth is highly appreciated, along with the complexity, and comparatively milder heat of the rehydrated dried chilies. As well, the harsh grassy notes of fresh chilies are not favored; they’re referred to in Thai as “green rank” or “men khiaao (เหม็นเขียว)”. Muslim curries often use fresh green chilies, tempering their vibrant, grassy taste with dry spices and thus shifting the flavor from bright and fresh to more subdued and earthy tones, resulting in a dish that is perceived to be layered, despite the burst of fresh chilies.
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This flavorful butter-based beef curry features relatively large pieces of beef that have been slow-braised in coconut milk until fork-tender and succulent. The curry paste is made from fresh green chilies and a wide array of dry spices deployed in abundance. The curry is seasoned to a salty-sweet flavor profile and utilizes Thai basil to evoke the quintessential licorice-anise essence of Thai spicy gaaeng phet (แกงเผ็ด) curries, Kaffir lime leaf informs a final citrus touch, and golden, crispy fried shallots add visual appeal and whisper of sweetness with an Islamic flair. This curry tastefully brings together Siamese culinary traditions and attributes of Muslim cuisine, integrating the warmth of dry spices with the liveliness of fresh chilies and the brightness of aromatics. The result is a layered, fragrant beef curry that combines the best of these culinary heritages.
To prepare this flavorful curry, start by cutting the beef into large pieces and searing them in ghee until golden on all sides; adding a halved yellow onion to the pan helps to deodorize the potent aroma of the ghee. Once the beef is fully seared, transfer it to a pot and braise it on low heat in light coconut cream infused with the onion, black peppercorns and bay leaves until very tender.
While the beef is braising, make the curry paste using fresh Thai chilies, following the standard phrik khing (พริกขิง) recipe, but add equal, lavish amounts of the dry spices, a nod to the dish’s Islamic origins. Next, fry the spice-laden curry paste in a brass wok with coconut cream and ghee until the rawness is tempered and the paste caramelizes to a glistening hue. As you fry the paste, continue adding tiny amounts of dry spices to create a more layered experience, relying solely on your sense of smell to gauge the precise quantities for optimal re-layering.
Next, add the fork-tender braised beef to the wok and dilute to the desired consistency with beef broth or a lighter chicken broth. Begin seasoning with fish sauce, then add half as much palm sugar, to a salty-sweet flavor profile. Then add sliced young green chilies and allow them to slightly soften.
Remove from the heat and add hand-torn kaffir lime leaves and handpicked Thai basil leaves, allowing their herbal essence to blossom. Serve the curry garnished with crispy fried shallots.
Add
Omit
Use fresh green chilies
Coriander root
White peppercorns
Coriander seeds
Cumin seeds
Siam cardamom
Nutmeg
Mace
Clove
Summary of the curry paste differences from a regular gaaeng khuaa paste
Perfumed Muslim-style Curry of Fresh Chilies with Beef (แกงเขียวหวานเนื้อทรงเครื่อง; Gaaeng Khiaao Waan Neuua Sohng Khreuuang)
Perfumed Muslim-style Curry of Fresh Chilies with Beef, a dish that embodies the harmony of vibrant chilies and earthy spices.
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Prep Time 45 minutesmins
Cook Time 1 hourhr45 minutesmins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai, Thai-Muslim Cuisines
500gbeef (เนื้อวัว)
coconut milk (หางกะทิ)
5young green long chili (phrik noom) (พริกหนุ่ม)or fresh banana chili (phrik yuak) (พริกหยวก)
1teaspoonwhite peppercorns (พริกไทย) (S1)roasted and ground
1teaspooncoriander seeds (malet phak chee) (เมล็ดผักชี) (S2)roasted and ground
1teaspooncumin seeds (malet yeeraa) (เมล็ดยี่หร่า) (S3)roasted and ground
1teaspoonSiam Cardamom pods (luuk grawaan) (ลูกกระวาน) (S4)roasted and ground
1teaspoonnutmeg seed (ลูกจันทน์เทศ) (S5)roasted and ground
1teaspoonmace (ดอกจันทน์เทศ) (S6)roasted and ground
4clovesclove (กานพลู) (S7)roasted and ground
Seasoning:
1 1/2partsfish sauce (น้ำปลา)
1/2partpalm sugar (น้ำตาลมะพร้าว)
Garnish:
fresh green Thai bird’s eye chili (phrik kee noo) (พริกขี้หนูเขียว)
Prepare the curry paste:
An overview of the curry paste ingredients.
An overview of the dry spices and fermented shrimp paste (kapi).
Roast and grind the spices, starting with the white peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, Siam cardamom, nutmeg, mace and clove. The spices are ground separately and kept separate until they are used in the dish.
Pound the curry paste, starting with the fresh green chilies and salt.
Gradually add the other ingredients, from the driest to the wet. Pound the paste until it is *smooth with a rounded aroma.
Add the dried spices, and pound to a smooth paste. Start with the ground white peppercorns
Add the roasted and ground coriander seeds.
Add the roasted and ground cumin seeds.
Add the roasted and ground Siam cardamom.
Add the roasted and ground nutmeg.
Add the roasted and ground mace.
Add the roasted and ground clove.
Add the fermented shrimp paste (kapi) and keep pounding until a rounded aroma is achieved.
Remove the curry paste and set it aside. Wash the mortar and pestle with about one cup of plain water and reserve the liquids.
Seasoning:
Season to a salty leading with a sweet floor flavor profile – and taste before seasoning! Start by seasoning the salty element using fish sauce.
When you are satisfied with the saltiness, add palm sugar at the ratio indicated.
Adding the herbs:
Turn off the heat before adding the Thai basil. Spread the Thai basil equally on top of the curry and gently push it into the broth, allowing it to wilt down. Do not stir vigorously!
Add the torn kaffir lime leaves.
Keyword spicy curry (แกงเผ็ด)
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