Ingredients and Weight:
- Chicken Breasts: 500 grams (about 1 pound)
- Lemongrass: 3-4 stalks
- Red Curry Paste: 2-3 tablespoons (can adjust according to taste)
- Coconuts Milk: 1 can (about 2 cups)
- Fish Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Thai Basil or Holy Basil: 2 tablespoons chopped
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, chopped
- Lime Juice: from 1 lime
- Salt and Sugar: to taste
- Red Bell Pepper or Poblano Pepper: 1, chopped (optional, for a spicier dish)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat up some oil and add chopped garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add the chicken breast pieces and cook until no longer raw.
- Once the chicken is partially cooked, add the lemongrass, red curry paste, and fish sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in the coconut milk and let it come to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Add the chopped basil and lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar if needed.
- If you want a spicier dish, add the chopped red bell or poblano pepper during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or as a main dish with other side dishes.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
Calories: approximately 400-500 (depending on the additional ingredients and serving size)
Fat: 20-30g
Carbs: 20-30g
Protein: 30-40g
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich and creamy curry with a unique lemongrass flavor.
- Spicy and aromatic, with a balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.
- Perfect as a main course or paired with other Asian dishes.
User Comments:
- "This is an excellent blend of flavors! The lemongrass gives it a unique touch."
- "I love the balance of flavors in this dish. It's not too spicy or too sweet."
- "This is a great dish to make for a special occasion. The aroma fills the house!"
- "I added some peanuts and served it over rice, it was delicious!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to use fresh lemongrass for the best flavor. If not available, you can use dried lemongrass but the flavor will be more mild.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Some people might prefer more fish sauce or chili peppers.
- Lemongrass can be tough, so make sure to slice it thinly or even crush it before adding to the dish for better flavor dispersion.
