Craving a vibrant and flavourful Thai-inspired dish? Look no further than this Spicy Chicken & Eggplant Curry! This recipe delivers a delightful explosion of textures and tastes, combining tender chicken, smoky eggplant, and a rich, fiery curry sauce. The aromatic blend of spices, including fragrant lemongrass, fiery chilies, and warming ginger, creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Prepare yourself for a culinary journey to the bustling street markets of Thailand, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
This incredibly satisfying curry is surprisingly easy to make, even for novice cooks. The key is to carefully build the flavors layer by layer, starting with a fragrant base and culminating in a deeply satisfying sauce. Ready to embark on this delicious adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and create this amazing Spicy Chicken & Eggplant Curry together!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Eggplant: 8-10 medium
- Chicken: about 1 lb (any part)
- Red Curry Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Red Chili Peppers: 3-4
- Kaffir Lime Leaves: 3-4
- Salt: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: to taste
- MSG: to taste
- Water: as needed
- Oil: for stir-frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut 8-10 medium eggplants into 4 pieces each. Soak in salted water (1 tablespoon salt dissolved in water) to prevent browning.
- Cut the chili peppers diagonally. Tear the kaffir lime leaves.
![Prepare the eggplant: Cut 8-10 medium eggplants into 4 pieces each. Soak in salted water (1 tablespoon salt dissolved in water) to prevent browning. [110.84]](https://img.seesanthaicuisine.com/yt/1039199389058334722/113.4878/shot.jpg?width=700)
![Prepare the chilies and kaffir lime leaves: Cut the chili peppers diagonally. Tear the kaffir lime leaves. [124.079]](https://img.seesanthaicuisine.com/yt/1039199389058334722/132.079/shot.jpg?width=700)
Step 2. Cook the Chicken and Eggplant
- Heat oil in a pot. Add 2 tablespoons of red curry paste and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces) and cook until done.
- Add the eggplant and enough water to mostly submerge it. Cover and cook until eggplant is tender.
![Stir-fry the curry paste: Heat oil in a pot. Add 2 tablespoons of red curry paste and stir-fry until fragrant. [175.319]](https://img.seesanthaicuisine.com/yt/1039199389058334722/180.5832/shot.jpg?width=700)
![Add chicken: Add the chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces) and cook until done. [201.64]](https://img.seesanthaicuisine.com/yt/1039199389058334722/209.64/shot.jpg?width=700)
![Add eggplant and water: Add the eggplant and enough water to mostly submerge it. Cover and cook until eggplant is tender. [251.84, 260.919, 282.68]](https://img.seesanthaicuisine.com/yt/1039199389058334722/259.84/shot.jpg?width=700)
Step 3. Season and Finish
- Add sugar, MSG, and salt to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add the prepared chilies and kaffir lime leaves. Mix well.
![Season: Add sugar, MSG, and salt to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed. [307.36, 315.24, 327.16]](https://img.seesanthaicuisine.com/yt/1039199389058334722/313.336/shot.jpg?width=700)
![Add chilies and lime leaves: Add the prepared chilies and kaffir lime leaves. Mix well. [337.24]](https://img.seesanthaicuisine.com/yt/1039199389058334722/340.312/shot.jpg?width=700)
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot with rice.
![Serve: Serve hot with rice. [352.6]](https://img.seesanthaicuisine.com/yt/1039199389058334722/360.6/shot.jpg?width=700)
Read more: Easy Ground Beef Curry: A Delicious Asian Home-Style Recipe
Tips
- Use any part of the chicken you prefer.
- Adjust the amount of water depending on your desired curry consistency.
- The eggplant has a naturally sweet taste which enhances the curry.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes! Tofu, shrimp, or beef work well. Adjust cooking time as needed.
2. How can I adjust the spice level?
Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili peppers used. Start with less and add more to taste.
3. What if I don't have all the listed Thai ingredients?
Don't worry! Many ingredients can be substituted with readily available alternatives. For example, you could use regular curry powder instead of specific Thai curry pastes.
This Spicy Chicken and Eggplant Curry is a testament to the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine, easily achievable in your own kitchen. Enjoy the fragrant aroma and satisfying taste of this delicious dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. We hope you'll savor every bite and share this recipe with friends and family!