Description
Rich and aromatic Massaman Curry with Chicken is a Thai classic infused with warm spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender chicken. This mildly spicy and slightly sweet curry is perfect for a comforting meal. Serve with jasmine rice or roti for an authentic experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs chicken (bone-in or boneless, cut into pieces)
- 3 tbsp Massaman curry paste
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- ⅓ cup peanuts, crushed
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cardamom pods
- 1 star anise
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, dice potatoes, and slice onions. Crush peanuts slightly for texture.
- Sauté Curry Paste: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Massaman curry paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Add chicken to the pot and coat with curry paste. Cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add Spices: Stir in cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, and bay leaves for deep flavor.
- Pour in Coconut Milk: Stir in coconut milk and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Incorporate Ingredients: Add potatoes, onions, fish sauce, tamarind paste, and sugar. Stir to combine.
- Simmer Until Tender: Pour in water or broth to adjust consistency. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until chicken and potatoes are tender.
- Add Peanuts: Stir in crushed peanuts and let cook for another 5 minutes.
- Taste & Adjust: Add more fish sauce, sugar, or tamarind if needed. Optionally, squeeze lime juice for extra zest.
- Serve & Garnish: Serve hot with jasmine rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with tofu, chickpeas, or vegetables like sweet potatoes and bell peppers.
- Beef Massaman: Use slow-cooked beef chunks for a richer flavor.
- Spicier Version: Add fresh red chilies or chili flakes.
- Nut-Free: Omit peanuts or replace with sunflower seeds.
- Low-Carb: Swap potatoes for cauliflower or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: thai
Keywords: Massaman curry, Thai curry, coconut curry, chicken curry, easy Thai recipe