As a lover of all things Thai, I am excited to share with you one of my favourite culinary delights: sweet curry! There's something irresistible about the blend of sweet and savoury flavours that makes this Thai dish unique and unforgettable. Not only is it delicious, but sweet curry is also a great introduction to Thai cuisine for those who are new to it.
In Thailand, sweet curry is considered a comfort food that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The dish features tender chunks of meat or tofu, mixed with vegetables such as potatoes, green beans and even pieces of pineapple. The curry sauce is made from a blend of coconut milk and a special spice mix that gives it its distinct flavour.
While many types of curry come with a level of heat, sweet curry is usually mild and sweet, making it a favourite among those who prefer milder dishes. However, it’s still packed with flavour and aroma. You'll also find that it's a hearty meal that will keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours.
Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just looking to add a little spice to your life, sweet curry is a dish that you cannot miss. In this blog post, I'm going to delve deeper into what makes sweet curry so special. I'll explore its origins, the key ingredients that are used to make it, and where you can find the best sweet curry in Thailand. So sit back, relax, and let's take a culinary journey together.
Ingredients needed
Thai cuisine is known for its unique flavor profile and the use of exotic ingredients, and sweet curry is no exception. To make this delicious dish, you will need:
- 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small can of sweet corn
- 1 small can of pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 2-3 tbsp of sweet curry paste
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- Salt and sugar to taste
You can find these ingredients at any local Thai grocery store or online. Make sure to buy authentic Thai curry paste to get the true taste of Thailand.
Choosing the right curry paste
Curry paste is the heart and soul of any curry, and it's crucial to choose the right one for your sweet curry. There are several types of curry paste available in the market, such as green curry, yellow curry, and red curry. However, for sweet curry, you will need a special type of curry paste that is made with mild spices and has a hint of sweetness.
One of the best options for sweet curry paste is "panang curry paste." This paste has a rich flavor profile and consists of ingredients such as lemongrass, galangal, and coriander roots that give it a unique taste. However, you can also use other sweet curry pastes, such as "maesri sweet curry paste" or "golden curry paste."
Preparation steps for making the curry
Now that you have all the ingredients let's get started with the preparation.
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Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and chopped onion and sauté until fragrant and slightly brown.
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Add sweet corn, pineapple chunks, and chopped red bell pepper, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
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Add 2-3 tbsp of sweet curry paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
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Add 1 cup of coconut milk and stir to combine with the curry paste.
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Add 2 kaffir lime leaves and stir.
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Reduce the heat to low and let the curry simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
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Add salt and sugar to taste.
Your sweet curry is ready to serve.
Different types of proteins to add
You can add any type of protein to your sweet curry, depending on your preference. Traditionally, Thai people use chicken or beef as their protein source. However, you can also opt for seafood, such as shrimp or fish. Vegetarians can use tofu or other meat substitutes.
To add protein to your sweet curry, you will need to cook the protein first and then add it to the curry. You can either sauté or grill the protein and add it to the curry in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Pairing the curry with steamed rice
To enjoy the full flavor of sweet curry, you can pair it with steamed rice. Thai people love to eat their curry with jasmine rice, which has a unique aroma and flavor that complements the taste of the curry. You can use any type of rice, but make sure to cook it according to the package instructions.
To serve, place a scoop of steamed rice on a plate and pour the sweet curry on top. You can garnish it with chopped fresh cilantro or basil leaves.
Making dessert with leftover sweet curry
If you have any leftover sweet curry, don't throw it away. You can use it to make a delicious dessert. Thai people love to make "sweet sticky rice with sweet curry" for dessert. It's a simple yet decadent dessert that you can make with just a few ingredients.
To make sweet sticky rice with sweet curry, you will need:
- 1 cup of sweet sticky rice
- 1-2 cups of leftover sweet curry
- Coconut cream
- Sugar
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Soak sweet sticky rice in water for at least an hour.
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Drain the water and steam the rice for 20-25 minutes until it's fully cooked.
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Add coconut cream and sugar to the rice and stir well.
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In a separate saucepan, heat the leftover sweet curry until it thickens.
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Pour the sweet curry over the sweet sticky rice and serve.
Tips for adjusting spiciness to taste
Sweet curry is supposed to be mildly spicy, so you don't need to add any extra heat to it. However, if you want to increase the spiciness, you can add a small amount of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
To reduce the spiciness, you can add more coconut milk or sugar to the curry. You can also serve the curry with a side of cucumber or tomato slices, which can help to cool down the spiciness.
In conclusion, sweet curry is an exotic Thai dish that is both flavorful and easy to make. With the right ingredients and preparation, you can enjoy this delightful dish in the comfort of your home. So, go ahead and try making sweet curry today, and experience the taste of Thailand.
