Prepare for a culinary adventure into the heart of Thailand with this vibrant and flavourful Jungle Curry recipe. This isn't your average curry; the rich, complex sauce, brimming with aromatic herbs and spices, is a testament to the ingenuity of Thai cuisine. Expect a symphony of tastes – the subtle sweetness of eggplant, the satisfying chew of pork meatballs, and the fiery kick of chilies all beautifully balanced by the creamy coconut milk base. Forget bland takeout; this recipe delivers an authentic Thai experience right to your kitchen.
This Jungle Curry, a dish traditionally served in the southern provinces of Thailand, is surprisingly easy to recreate at home. The combination of succulent pork meatballs and tender eggplant creates a hearty and satisfying meal. Ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Cooking pot
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil
- Curry paste
- Pork meatballs: 300 grams
- Black eggplant
- Water
- Fish sauce: 1-2 tablespoons
- MSG
- Nua powder
- Sugar
- Salt: 1 tablespoon
- Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Green or red chili
- Basil leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sautéing the Curry Paste and Seasoning
- Add vegetable oil to a pot and then add curry paste. Stir-fry until fragrant and yellow.
- Some people may not use vegetable oil; you can use stir-fry sauce instead.
- Add water and continue to stir-fry the curry paste until fragrant.
- 1-2 tablespoons of fish sauce (or to taste), MSG, Nua powder, and sugar (adjust to your preference).
Step 2. Adding the Meatballs and Eggplant
- Add pork meatballs.
- Cut eggplant into 4 pieces, soak in salt water (1 tablespoon salt, 2 tablespoons vinegar) for a while, then rinse with clean water.
- Add eggplant to the boiling curry and stir to prevent blackening.
Step 3. Finishing Touches
- Add torn kaffir lime leaves when eggplant is almost cooked.
- Add green or red chili and basil leaves for extra flavor and color.
Step 4. Combining and Serving
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Read more: Easy Ground Beef Curry: A Delicious Asian Home-Style Recipe
Tips
- Stir-frying the curry paste with oil helps create a richer, creamier curry.
- Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired curry consistency.
- Soaking eggplant in salt water prevents blackening and helps maintain a bright green color.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-550
- Fat: 30-40g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 25-35g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the pork meatballs with chicken or tofu?
Absolutely! Chicken or firm tofu are excellent substitutes. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
2. How can I make this curry less spicy?
Reduce the amount of chilies used, or remove the seeds before adding them to the curry paste. You can also add a splash more coconut milk to mellow the heat.
This Jungle Curry with pork meatballs and eggplant is a truly rewarding dish to make, offering a delicious taste of Thailand in your own home. The vibrant flavors and satisfying textures will leave you wanting more. Enjoy this flavorful adventure, and don't hesitate to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own!