Authentic Panang Curry Paste
Unlock the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine with this homemade Panang Curry Paste. Unlike store-bought versions, this recipe offers a fresher taste and allows for personalized adjustments to cater to your palate. Combining aromatic herbs, zesty lime, and a hint of heat from sambal oelek, this versatile paste can be easily incorporated into various dishes. Whether you're tossing it with noodles or creating a creamy coconut curry, making your own paste ensures a rich, authentic flavor that elevates any meal. Plus, it keeps well in the refrigerator, making it an excellent go-to for quick weeknight dinners.
N/A
Servings
115
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
sambal oelek
1 teaspoon (none)
lemongrass
2 teaspoons (finely chopped)
ground caraway
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic
1.5 teaspoons (chopped)
fresh cilantro
3 stalks (with stems)
lime juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
tomato paste
1 cup (none)
salt and pepper
1/2 tablespoon (to taste)
vegetable oil
1/3 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine sambal oelek, lemongrass, ground caraway, chopped garlic, fresh cilantro (with stems), lime juice, tomato paste, and vegetable oil.
2
Blend the mixture on high until smooth. You should see small flecks of cilantro throughout the paste.
3
Taste the paste to ensure a balanced flavor profile. The taste should predominantly present tomato with a spicy kick from the sambal oelek.
4
If the mixture is too acidic, incorporate additional salt and pepper to quell the sharpness. To increase spiciness, add more sambal oelek to your liking.
5
For a more herbal undertone, blend in extra cilantro. To enhance the back-of-the-tongue warmth, consider adding more ground caraway.
6
It’s essential to recognize and appreciate each ingredient’s distinct taste within the paste, as this will intensify the dish's overall flavor when used in cooking.
7
Store any unused paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze it for longer storage.
Nutrition Information
11.4g
Fat
3g
Carbs
0.3g
Protein
0.7g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Panang Curry Paste?
It is a vibrant Thai flavoring made from aromatic herbs, zesty lime, and spices, offering a richer flavor than store-bought versions.
Why should I make homemade Panang curry paste instead of buying it?
Homemade paste offers a fresher taste and allows for personalized adjustments to cater to your specific palate.
What are the main ingredients in this Panang curry paste?
The recipe includes sambal oelek, lemongrass, ground caraway, garlic, fresh cilantro, lime juice, tomato paste, and vegetable oil.
How do I prepare the lemongrass for the paste?
The lemongrass should be finely chopped before being added to the food processor.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this curry paste?
Yes, you can increase the spiciness by adding more sambal oelek to your liking.
What should I do if the paste is too acidic?
If the mixture is too acidic, you can incorporate additional salt and pepper to quell the sharpness.
How can I give the paste a more herbal undertone?
To achieve a more herbal undertone, simply blend in extra fresh cilantro.
What is the role of ground caraway in this recipe?
Ground caraway is used to enhance the back-of-the-tongue warmth of the curry paste.
Should I include the cilantro stems in the paste?
Yes, the recipe specifies using fresh cilantro with the stems included for blending.
How long does the Panang curry paste last in the refrigerator?
The paste can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Can I freeze this curry paste?
Yes, you can freeze the paste for longer storage if you do not plan to use it within two weeks.
What kitchen equipment is required for this recipe?
You will need a food processor to blend the ingredients until they are smooth.
How do I know when the paste is properly blended?
The mixture should be smooth but contain small visible flecks of cilantro throughout.
What is the primary flavor profile of this paste?
The taste should predominantly present tomato flavors with a spicy kick from the sambal oelek.
Is this paste only for curries?
No, it is versatile and can be tossed with noodles or used to create various other dishes.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of vegetable oil.
How much tomato paste is needed?
This recipe uses 1 cup of tomato paste as a base.
How much garlic should I add?
You should add 1.5 teaspoons of chopped garlic.
Is fresh lime juice necessary?
The recipe recommends 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
How many calories are in a serving of this paste?
There are approximately 115 calories per serving.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, because it stores well in the fridge or freezer, it is an excellent go-to for quick weeknight dinners.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 11.4g of fat.
What are the carbohydrate and protein counts?
There are 3g of carbohydrates and 0.3g of protein per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, each serving contains approximately 0.7g of fiber.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 9 ingredients total in this recipe.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be chopped before being placed in the food processor.
How much salt and pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/2 tablespoon, or to taste, especially to balance acidity.
Is this Panang paste suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, the ingredients listed (vegetable oil, herbs, spices, tomato paste) are all plant-based.
Why is it important to recognize each ingredient's taste?
Appreciating each distinct taste within the paste ensures the overall flavor of your cooked dish is intensified.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include panang curry, curry paste, thai cuisine, homemade, spicy, vegetable, recipe, sauce, quick meal, and meal prep.