Tofu Panang Curry

This is one of the most popular curries in Thailand. You’re guaranteed to find Panang curry at khao gaeng (rice and curry) shops on every corner. This recipe is quick and simple – just as this kind of food is meant to be.
Serves
Serves 2
Total Time
15 Minutes
Ingredients
2 tbsp of vegetable oil
2 generous tbsp of Panang curry paste
250ml (9fl oz) of coconut milk
1 tbsp of palm sugar
2 tbsp of light soy sauce
200g (7oz) of firm tofu, cut into chunks
6–7 sweet basil leaves, plus extra to garnish
3 kaffir lime leaves, chopped
1 red bird’s eye chilli, finely sliced
Steamed jasmine rice, to serve
Method
Step 1

Heat the oil in a wok set over a medium-high heat. Once hot, add the curry paste and stir-fry for about one minute, until fragrant.

Step 2

Gradually stir in half the coconut milk and cook for about one minute, until the oil from the paste rises to the surface of the coconut milk. Once this happens, stir in the remaining coconut milk, then mix in the palm sugar and soy sauce and cook for a further minute.

Step 3

Bring the mixture to the boil, then add the tofu. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the tofu is heated through.

Step 4

Stir in the sweet basil, lime leaves and sliced chilli. Remove the pan from the heat.

Step 5

Serve the curry immediately, with a bowl of rice, garnished with extra basil leaves.

Rosa’s Thai Café: The Vegetarian Cookbook by Saiphin Moore, published by Mitchell Beazley, £20
 

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