RECIPE OF THE MONTH: MASSAMAN CURRY

Massaman curry is a unique type of curry because it is more like an Indian curry using mainly dried spices for seasoning.

With Muslim influence and tons of spices, it certainly can help you beat the winter blues! Have a look below for ingredients and instructions.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 lb. beef shoulder (chuck roast) or stew beef, sliced

• 3 tablespoon whole raw peanuts

• 4 cups of water

• 1 medium-sized potato, cut into 1 inch cubes

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil (soybean, peanut or corn oil)

• 3-4 tablespoon Massaman curry paste,

• 1 1/2-2 cups coconut milk

• 6 whole Thai cardamom seeds, cracked and dry roasted*

• 1 inch piece of cinnamon stick, dry roasted*

• 2 tablespoon Thai fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon palm sugar

• 2 tablespoon tamarind water

• 1/4 large white onion, cut into pieces (or 12 peeled whole white pearl onions)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Open the coconut milk and scoop the thick coconut cream from the top and set aside.

2. Bring the 4 cups of water, beef and peanuts to boil, skimming the scum from the surface for about 5 minutes. Lower heat to medium and continue to cook at a low boil uncovered, for approximately one hour. Remove from the heat and set aside.

3. Separately, bring the potatoes to boil in enough water to cover for approximately 20 minutes until just slightly under-cooked (al dente). Drain and discard the potato water (or reserve to make your own sourdough mix!). Set the potatoes aside. While the beef is cooking you may make the homemade Massaman Curry Paste.

4. Heat oil in a large wok (or other large heavy bottom pan) over medium heat, add the curry paste and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the reserved coconut cream and fry until it begins to separate, stirring constantly. Add the boiled beef and peanuts in its broth and remainder of coconut milk, fish sauce, palm sugar, tamarind, cinnamon stick, potatoes and onion. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook 10 minutes.

5. Adjust seasoning with fish sauce, palm sugar and tamarind water to taste. Massaman curry should be slightly sweet with a very subtle sour note from the tamarind. Serve with pickled ginger or cucumber relish as condiments.

We hope this dish is not too hard to make. But we guarantee that it is SUPER YUM!