Massaman Curry Recipe

Soften aromatics

Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil. When shimmering, add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.

Bloom curry paste

Add the Massaman curry paste to the softened onion and cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook another 30–45 seconds to release their aroma.

Brown the protein

Increase heat to medium-high. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned (they will finish cooking in the sauce). Work in batches if needed so pieces brown rather than steam.

Add vegetables

Return all chicken to the pot (if you removed any) and add the cubed potatoes and carrots. Stir to coat them well with the paste-onion mixture.

Deglaze and simmer

Pour in the coconut milk and chicken stock (or water), scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits. Stir to combine. Add tamarind paste and brown sugar, dissolve, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Add warm spices

Tuck in the whole cloves and crushed cardamom pods and sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the surface. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finish seasoning

Remove the lid and stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, and 3/4 cup of the chopped roasted peanuts. Taste the curry and adjust: add more fish sauce for saltiness, more sugar for sweetness, or a squeeze of lime for brightness. Simmer uncovered 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly.

Final touches

Turn off heat. Stir in the lime juice, chopped cilantro, and sliced scallions. Add salt to taste. If the curry seems too thick, stir in a few tablespoons of warm water or stock to reach desired consistency.

Serve the Massaman curry over steamed jasmine rice and garnish with the remaining chopped peanuts and additional cilantro or lime wedges if desired.