
Even though it is a long list of ingredients for the curry paste, most of them are readily available in a well stocked kitchen or a grocery store. I’ve never seen fresh galangal or kaffir lime leaves in any of the stores that I go to, but luckily I found some canned/ jarred ones in Whole Foods that I picked up right away. They keep in the fridge for quite a while and are quite handy in making Thai curry pastes and other dishes.

This recipe makes about 1cup of curry paste and the curry uses about 3~4tbsp of it. I freeze the remaining curry paste in a freezer safe ziploc bag and then use as needed.
Recipe from Buddha’s Table cookbook.
- 6 ~ 8 Chilies (I used Indian red chilies) Dried Red (California, New Mexico or Guajillo chilies)
- 2 tbsp Coriander seeds
- 2 tsp Cumin seeds
- 5 Cardamom seeds Whole
- 2 Cinnamon " stick - piece
- ¼ tsp Nutmeg
- 5 Cloves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns Whole
- 1 Shallots - medium, chopped
- 2 tbsps Lemon grass - chopped (tender midsection only)
- 2 ~ 3 cloves Garlic - chopped
- 1 tbsp Galangal - (I used jarred galangal)
- 1 tbsp Cilantro Fresh roots or stems
- 2 tsps Kaffir Lime skin or leaves - (I used jarred kaffir lime leaves)
- to taste Salt
- Stem and seed the dried red chilies. Soak them in warm water for 10~15 minutes or until soft. Drain and squeeze dry.
- Dry roast the coriander seeds, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and peppercorns in a pan over medium heat for 5~7 minutes or until fragrant.
- Using a mortar and pestle, pound and grind all the ingredients, adding in each new ingredient only after the previous one is pureed and incorporated into a paste.
- Alternatively, combine all the ingredients in a food processor and process into a smooth paste, adding a small amount of water to facilitate blending. Use as needed to make Massamun curry or freeze for later use.
Global Tastes & Travels Inc.
When my container of the store bought one is finished, you have inspired me to try and make my own fresh which I am sure makes the curry even more flavorful
Global Tastes & Travels Inc.
When my container of the store bought one is finished, you have inspired me to try and make my own fresh which I am sure makes the curry even more flavorful
Priya Srinivasan
Awesome pavani, curry paste is absolutely inviting, i m literally salivating here!!! Definitely making this!! 🙂