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Tasty Apprentice


Hello, adventurous eaters!


**Gaeng Tai Pla (Southern Thai Fermented Fish Curry)**

- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5-6 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2-3 tbsp Thai fermented fish entrails paste (Tai Pla)
- 200g fish fillets (mackerel or other firm fish), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bamboo shoots, thinly sliced
- 1 cup eggplant, cubed
- 1 cup long beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2-3 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 1-2 tbsp fish sauce (to taste)
- 1 tbsp palm sugar
- 1 cup water or fish stock
- Fresh Thai chilies, to taste (optional for heat)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish

1. **Prepare the Paste:** In a mortar and pestle, pound garlic and shallots into a coarse paste. You can also use a food processor for convenience.
2. **Cook the Paste:** Heat vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallot paste and sauté until fragrant.
3. **Add Tai Pla Paste:** Stir in the fermented fish entrails paste and cook for a few minutes until well combined.
4. **Simmer:** Add the water or fish stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. **Add Vegetables and Fish:** Add the bamboo shoots, eggplant, and long beans to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Then, add the fish pieces and kaffir lime leaves.
6. **Season:** Add fish sauce and palm sugar, adjusting to taste. If you like it extra spicy, throw in some fresh Thai chilies.
7. **Cook Until Done:** Continue to simmer until the fish is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
8. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot with steamed rice.
Experience the authentic taste of Southern Thailand with this robust and flavorful curry. Let us know how you enjoyed it in the comments below!


