Jul 14 2026

Massaman Curry Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

Mild Thai curry with potatoes, peanuts, and onions

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Ingredients

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Massaman Curry Paste

Method

Massaman Curry Paste

  1. 1

    Toast Spices

    In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and white peppercorns until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Let cool slightly.

  2. 2

    Grind Spices

    Transfer toasted spices to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Grind into a fine powder and set aside.

  3. 3

    Blend Paste

    In a food processor or blender, combine soaked red chilies, chopped shallots, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, shrimp paste, salt, and ground spices. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and blend until smooth. Add a little water if needed to help blend. Set aside.

Massaman Curry

  1. 4

    Sauté Curry Paste

    In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add 1/2 cup of coconut milk and cook until it begins to break and oil separates (3–5 minutes). Stir in 4 tablespoons of the prepared Massaman curry paste and sauté for 3–4 minutes until aromatic.

  2. 5

    Cook Chicken

    Add chicken pieces to the pot and stir to coat in the curry paste. Cook for 5 minutes until chicken is lightly browned.

  3. 6

    Add Remaining Ingredients

    Pour in the remaining coconut milk and 1 cup of water or chicken stock. Add cubed potatoes, sliced onions, peanuts, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

  4. 7

    Simmer Curry

    Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and chicken is fully cooked.

  5. 8

    Season the Curry

    Stir in fish sauce, palm sugar, tamarind paste, and lime juice. Simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt or more fish sauce to taste.

  6. 9

    Serve

    Remove cinnamon stick and bay leaf. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice, garnished with extra roasted peanuts if desired.

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