01/06/2026
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Serves: 2–3 people
Ingredients for Homemade Massaman Curry Paste
* 10 dried red chilies, soaked and deseeded
* 5 shallots
* 6 garlic cloves
* 1 stalk lemongrass, sliced
* 1 tablespoon galangal, sliced
* 1 teaspoon kaffir lime zest
* 2 coriander roots
* 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts
* 1 teaspoon shrimp paste
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
* ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
* 2 cardamom pods
* 2 cloves
* ½ cinnamon stick
* ½ teaspoon white peppercorns
* A pinch of nutmeg
Tip: You can use 2–3 tablespoons of ready-made Massaman curry paste if preferred.
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Ingredients for the Curry
* 300 g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 400 ml coconut milk
* 1 cup water
* 2 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
* 1 onion, cut into wedges
* 2 tablespoons palm sugar
* 2 tablespoons fish sauce
* 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
* 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts
* 1 bay leaf or a small cinnamon stick (optional)
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How to Make Massaman Curry Paste
1. Roast the dry spices: Toast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and white peppercorns in a dry pan until fragrant.
2. Grind the spices: Pound or grind the roasted spices into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
3. Add the herbs: Add lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime zest, coriander roots, shallots, garlic, and chilies. Pound until smooth.
4. Finish the paste: Add roasted peanuts, shrimp paste, and salt. Continue pounding until a smooth curry paste forms.
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How to Cook Massaman Chicken Curry
1. Heat a little oil in a pot. Add 3 tablespoons of coconut milk and the curry paste. Stir-fry until fragrant.
2. Add the chicken and stir until coated with the curry paste.
3. Pour in the remaining coconut milk and water. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Add the potatoes and onion. Simmer over low heat for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken and potatoes are tender.
5. Season with palm sugar, fish sauce, and tamarind paste. Stir well.
6. Add the roasted peanuts and simmer for another 3–5 minutes.
7. Add a bay leaf or cinnamon stick for extra aroma if desired. Remove from the heat.
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Serving Suggestions
1. Serve hot in a deep bowl and garnish with a few roasted peanuts.
2. Best enjoyed with steamed jasmine rice or warm roti.
About Massaman Curry
Massaman Curry is one of Thailand’s most famous curries. It combines Thai herbs with aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg, creating a rich, mildly spicy, and slightly sweet flavor. It is commonly cooked with chicken, beef, or lamb and is traditionally served with jasmine rice or roti.
