Gaeng Som Recipe

[Ruth_]

Hey, food lovers! Today, we're diving into the vibrant world of Thai cuisine with a recipe for Gaeng Som, a spicy and sour Thai curry that’s bursting with bold flavors. This dish is known for its tangy broth and assortment of fresh vegetables and seafood, creating a symphony of tastes that will transport you to Thailand with every spoonful. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients:​

For the Curry Paste:​

• 5-6 dried red chilies, soaked and deseeded
• 2 tablespoons shrimp paste
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon chopped shallots
• 1 teaspoon chopped galangal
• 1 teaspoon chopped lemongrass
• 1 teaspoon chopped turmeric (or 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder)
• 1 teaspoon chopped cilantro roots (or stems)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

For the Soup:​

• 500g firm white fish fillets, cut into chunks (or use shrimp, squid, or a combination)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as green beans, eggplant, cherry tomatoes)
• 2 cups water or fish stock
• 1 cup coconut milk (optional for a richer broth)
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• Thai basil leaves and cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions:​

1. Prepare the Curry Paste:
   • In a mortar and pestle or food processor, pound or blend together dried red chilies, shrimp paste, garlic, shallots, galangal, lemongrass, turmeric, cilantro roots, and fish sauce until it forms a smooth paste. Set aside.
2. Cook the Soup:
   • In a large pot, bring water or fish stock to a boil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the prepared curry paste to the pot and stir well to combine. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Add the Vegetables and Fish:
   • Add mixed vegetables to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, or until they start to soften.
   • Add fish fillets (or seafood of choice) and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
4. Season the Soup:
   • Stir in tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences, adding more fish sauce for saltiness or palm sugar for sweetness.
5. Finish and Serve:
   • Remove from heat and stir in coconut milk (if using) to add richness to the broth.
   • Ladle Gaeng Som into serving bowls. Garnish with Thai basil leaves and cilantro leaves.

Serving Suggestion:​

• Serve Gaeng Som hot with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles. Enjoy the tangy and spicy flavors of this traditional Thai curry that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds!

Dive into the bold flavors of Gaeng Som and embark on a culinary journey to Thailand. Share your delicious creations with us in the comments below!