Gaeng Som Pla is a delicious and spicy Thai curry with a tangy, hot, and sour flavor. It's typically made with fish and vegetables, and it's a flavorful Thai dish. A step-by-step guide on how to make Gaeng Som Pla:
Ingredients:
For the Curry Paste:
- 5-6 dried red chilies, soaked in warm water
- 1-2 fresh red chilies
- 3-4 shallots
- 3-4 cloves garlic
- 1 stalk lemongrass, sliced
- 1-inch piece of galangal or ginger
- 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (belacan)
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Curry:
- 2 cups fish fillets (such as catfish or mackerel), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2-3 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., long beans, eggplant, pumpkin, or okra), cut into pieces
- 2-3 tablespoons tamarind paste or concentrate
- 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 4-5 cups water
- Fresh Thai basil leaves (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
Making the Curry Paste:
1. Preparing the Chilies:
- Drain the soaked dried red chilies and remove the seeds if you prefer less heat. Slice the fresh red chilies.
2. Blending the Paste:
- In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, pound or blend together the dried red chilies, fresh red chilies, shallots, garlic, lemongrass, galangal (or ginger), shrimp paste, and salt until you have a smooth paste. If needed, you can add a little water to help with blending.
Preparing the Curry:
3. Cooking the Curry:
- In a pot or saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the curry paste and stir well.
- Add the mixed vegetables to the pot and let them cook until they start to soften.
- Add the fish fillets and continue to simmer until the fish is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
4. Adding Flavor:
- Add the tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar to the curry. Adjust the amounts to your taste. The curry should have a balance of tanginess, saltiness, and sweetness.
5. Garnishing:
- If using, add fresh Thai basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
6. Serving:
- Serve the Gaeng Som Pla hot with steamed jasmine rice.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
- Garnish the curry with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Gaeng Som Pla is a vibrant and fiery Thai curry with a perfect balance of flavors. The combination of hot, sour, and slightly sweet elements makes it a unique and satisfying dish. Enjoy the bold and tangy taste of this traditional Thai recipe.