Massaman curry paste is the aromatic foundation of massaman curry, a Thai dish shaped by South Asian and Persian spice traditions.
Flavor and ingredients
Along with dried chiles, lemongrass, galangal, garlic and shallot, the paste commonly includes warm spices such as coriander, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Its flavor is fragrant, gently spicy and savory rather than sharply hot.
How it is used
The paste is cooked to release its aroma and then simmered with coconut milk. Massaman curry often includes potatoes, onions and peanuts and may be made with beef, chicken, lamb, tofu or vegetables. Tamarind, palm sugar and fish sauce are commonly used to balance sour, sweet and salty flavors.