Slow Cooker Panang Beef Curry with Colorful Veggies
Indulge in the rich flavors of Thailand with this delectable Slow Cooker Panang Beef Curry. Known for its aromatic spices and vibrant colors, this dish harmoniously blends tender chunks of beef with a medley of fresh veggies. The milder Panang curry paste sets the stage for a symphony of flavors without overwhelming heat, making it a perfect choice for spice lovers and novices alike. With the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal. Serve with fluffy jasmine rice for a truly unforgettable Thai culinary experience.
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Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
2 tablespoons (N/A)
panang curry paste
1-2 tablespoons (to taste)
cumin powder
1 teaspoon (N/A)
coriander powder
1 teaspoon (N/A)
beef, chunks (stewing meat)
2 lbs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
unsweetened coconut milk
1/2-3/4 cup (N/A)
small hot chili pepper
1 (remove seeds and chop)
anchovies or fish sauce
1 tablespoon (N/A)
sugar
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
peanut butter
1 1/2 tablespoons (N/A)
small carrot
1 (peeled and sliced)
fresh basil
1/2 cup (chopped or 1 tablespoon dry basil)
mild pepper (red, green, yellow)
1 (remove seeds and chop)
broccoli or other vegetables
2 cups (cut into bite-sized pieces)
red food coloring (Bijol seasoning)
1 teaspoon (optional)
basil leaves
8 (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preparation:
2
1. Begin by removing the seeds from the hot chili pepper and finely chopping it. Set aside.
3
2. Peel the carrot and slice it into round pieces, then set aside.
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3. Chop the fresh basil leaves and set them aside.
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4. Deseed and chop the mild pepper (red, green, or yellow) into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
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5. Clean and prepare any additional vegetables of your choice, cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
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Cooking Instructions:
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6. In a pan or wok, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the Panang curry paste and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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7. Introduce the coriander and cumin powder, stirring continuously for another minute.
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8. Add the beef chunks to the pan, browning them on all sides for enhanced flavor.
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9. Pour in the unsweetened coconut milk, reduce the heat, and allow to simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
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10. Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add the chopped chili pepper, anchovies or fish sauce, sugar, and peanut butter. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
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11. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 3 hours.
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12. Halfway through cooking time, at 1.5 hours, add the carrot slices and give it a gentle stir.
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13. At 2.5 hours into cooking, add the chopped mild pepper and any other vegetables. Stir to mix and replace the lid to continue cooking.
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14. After 3 hours, check the tenderness of the beef. If desired, stir in the red food coloring for visual appeal.
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15. Serve the curry hot over steamed jasmine rice, garnished with fresh basil leaves for that extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Panang Beef Curry?
It is a rich Thai-inspired dish featuring tender beef and vibrant vegetables cooked in a mild Panang curry sauce.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of beef chunks or stewing meat cut into bite-sized pieces.
Is Panang curry very spicy?
Panang curry is generally milder than other Thai curries, though this recipe includes a hot chili pepper for a customizable heat level.
How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?
The beef and curry mixture should be cooked on the high setting for a total of 3 hours.
Should I brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, browning the beef in a pan with the curry paste and spices is recommended to enhance the flavor.
When do I add the carrots?
Carrot slices should be added halfway through the cooking time, approximately 1.5 hours in.
When should I add the mild peppers and broccoli?
Add the peppers and other vegetables at the 2.5-hour mark, which is 30 minutes before the dish is finished.
What is the purpose of peanut butter in this curry?
Peanut butter provides a rich, nutty depth and helps achieve the traditional flavor profile of Panang curry.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 cup of fresh basil with 1 tablespoon of dry basil.
What serving suggestion is recommended?
It is best served hot over fluffy, steamed jasmine rice.
What provides the savory, salty component in the sauce?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of fish sauce or anchovies for seasoning.
Is the red food coloring necessary?
No, the red food coloring (or Bijol seasoning) is optional and used only for visual appeal.
How much coconut milk is required?
The recipe uses between 1/2 to 3/4 cup of unsweetened coconut milk.
How do I prepare the hot chili pepper?
You should remove the seeds and finely chop the chili pepper before adding it to the mixture.
What spices are used to flavor the beef?
The beef is sautéed with Panang curry paste, cumin powder, and coriander powder.
Can I add other vegetables besides carrots and peppers?
Yes, you can add 2 cups of broccoli or any other vegetables of your choice.
How much oil is needed for sautéing?
Two tablespoons of oil are used to sauté the curry paste and spices.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar is added to help balance the savory and spicy flavors.
How much Panang curry paste should I use?
Use 1-2 tablespoons of Panang curry paste, depending on your personal taste preference.
What should I use for a final garnish?
Garnish the finished dish with approximately 8 fresh basil leaves.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first cooking step is sautéing the curry paste in oil for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
Can I use different colored mild peppers?
Yes, you can use red, green, or yellow mild peppers cut into bite-sized pieces.
How much cumin and coriander powder is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of cumin powder and 1 teaspoon of coriander powder.
Does the recipe use sweetened or unsweetened coconut milk?
It specifically requires unsweetened coconut milk.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 16 ingredients listed for this Slow Cooker Panang Beef Curry.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
Yes, the carrot should be peeled and sliced into rounds.
What setting should the slow cooker be on?
The slow cooker should be set to the High setting.
How do I know when the curry is done?
The curry is done after 3 hours when the beef has reached the desired level of tenderness.
Can I make this dish more colorful?
Yes, by using a mix of red, green, and yellow peppers and adding the optional red food coloring.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, the use of a slow cooker and mild curry paste makes it an accessible and easy recipe for novices.