This aromatic Massaman Curry brings together tender chicken, root vegetables, warm spices, and creamy coconut milk for a timeless comfort meal.
In my early twenties, there was a popular Thai fusion restaurant near where I lived, and I would always order the massaman curry. Although it was a favorite, I never thought to try replicating it at home. When that restaurant had to close due to rising rents, I finally caved and went on a hunt for the perfect recipe.
Along with the aromatic spice paste, ingredients like garlic, ginger, tamarind paste, and peanut butter bring a deep, complex flavor to this curry. It’s also a fantastic recipe for meal prepping. From personal experience, it’s the perfect dish to make in large batches and gift to a loved one (there’s nothing more special than receiving warm, home-cooked meals made from the heart!)
This is probably the least intimidating curry recipe around, and it’s absolutely delicious. It’s hard to mess up, and if you do, it’s easy to course-correct. Best of all, it requires just one pot. The dish takes only an hour to cook, and if you ask me, it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to deepen.
Let’s dive right in.
Is Massaman Curry Healthy?
This massaman curry contains a good variety of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. If you are looking to lighten this curry a bit, feel free to opt for a lighter variety of coconut milk. To amp up the fiber (and texture), I sometimes like to add even more veggies such as cabbage, mushrooms, or baby corn. This recipe can pretty easily be tailored to suit your specific dietary needs without compromising the flavor.
So, What Exactly Is Massaman Curry?
Massaman curry paste typically contains galangal and shrimp paste, along with a mix of spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, and anise. While massaman curry as we know it today likely took form in the 17th century, its history may date back even further. Thailand played a key role in global trade, with spices being exchanged alongside currency and other valuables. The exact timeline of these exchanges remains unclear. Massaman curry, in particular, is believed to have been introduced to Thailand by spice traders from India and as far as Persia (which is present-day Iran).
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover curry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can store a batch in the freezer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
To round this out into a beautiful spread, I’d recommend serving massaman curry with this crave-worthy Coconut Rice, this Instant Pot Basmati Rice, or this flavorful Green Cauliflower Rice. As for the perfect side dish, I’d go with this seriously delicious and easy Bok Choy. If dessert is on the menu, this silky Vanilla Mousse is an eternal crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 can (4 ounces) massaman curry paste
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 pound chicken breasts cut into pieces
- 2 medium russet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 cans (13.5 ounces each) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts chopped
- Kosher salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the massaman curry paste, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ginger and chicken pieces to the pot and sauté until the chicken starts to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add the potatoes, carrot, coconut milk, fish sauce, peanut butter, tamarind paste, and brown sugar to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the lime juice and chopped peanuts and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasonings and add salt if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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