Malaysian style Vegetable Curry

I really enjoy cooking this curry as the smells are simply so tantalising! I've posted this a vegetarian option, however chicken or fish can easily be added if desired!

Ingredients

2 Large finely diced shallots
2 Garlic cloves –finely diced
2 tablespoons chopped peeled fresh lemongrass ( 2 stalks)
2 tablespoons minced seeded red Thai chillies ( 2 chillies)
2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh galangal
1 teaspoon curry powder - Malaysian if possible
1 1/2 cups light coconut milk
3 Tomatoes, skinned seeded and diced
Green beans - diced
250 ml Vegetable/chicken stock – homemade if possible
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons tamarind concentrate
12 okra
12 fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and halved (about 100g)
1 Cauliflower cut into florets
2 medium sized potatoes peeled and diced
2 kaffir lime leaves
Lemon juice

Instructions:

Heat a large heavy bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil, shallots and garlic to pan, and cook for 3 minutes or until fragrant, stirring frequently. Add the lemongrass, red Thai chilies, ginger, and galangal to the pan, again frying for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Now add curry powder to pan and cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. The dry frying will produce a very fragrant, intense flavour.

Now add the tomatoes, coconut milk and remaining ingredients to pan; bring slowly to a boil. (Just a note here – for some, Okra is an acquired taste, it may of course be omitted, although personally I feel it will detract from the curry)

Partially cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Uncover and simmer for a further 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Now remove the lime leaves and finally add lemon juice.

From time to time I also dry-roast some cashew nuts in a separate pan and add to the curry just before serving - delicious!

Serve with boiled long grain rice or perhaps make some Roti Jala for a truly authentic Malaysian experience!

Comments

[Lance]

It's very hard to find a good Asian recipe that actually turns out like the "real thing"

Love this recipe and my wife loves it too!

Next time I have guests over I will be "whipping" this one up.
Thanks Paul. Keep up the great work mate.

Chef Lance
http://www.cooking-made-easy.com/chicken_stir_fry_recipe.html