Thai curry paste is the secret to the popularity of several Thai dishes (both veg and non-veg).
It comes in many varieties, available at every grocery store all around Thailand.
This article brings you a list of the major ingredients used in this paste.
Curries are an integral part of Thai cuisine, having garnered popularity in other regions of the world over the years. Thai curries have several varieties, loaded with veggies, seafood, coconut milk, and more.
However, the preparation (for most dishes) begins with a paste - known as Thai curry paste. It also has many varieties including Thai red curry paste, Thai green curry paste, Thai yellow curry paste, etc. In this article, we'll have a look at the five commonly used ingredients in the paste.
Galangal:Loaded with anti-inflammatory properties
Galangal is a common ingredient in almost all varieties of Thai curry paste. Coming from the Zingiberaceae family, it boasts a citrusy flavor and is full of herbal heat. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, galangal helps relieve inflammation throughout the body. Also, it contains good amounts of vitamin C that promotes your immune system. What's more, it enhances skin health, supports digestion, improves brain functions, boosts heart functions, and fights off respiratory issues.
Lemongrass:A good source of antifungal compounds
Lemongrass (in fresh form) is another must-have ingredient in Thai curry paste. It has a citrus-like aroma, providing another layer of goodness to the dishes. It's a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin C. Also, it contains antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It helps reduce high blood pressure, regulate cholesterol levels, boost digestive health, ease the symptoms of arthritis, and enhance skin health.
Shallot: Packed with several micronutrients
Shallot boasts a sweet flavor with a hint of sharpness. If used properly, it adds some sweetness to the curry paste that is surely hard to resist. Also, it's a powerhouse of several nutrients including fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, protein, and other micronutrients. It aids in weight loss, regulates blood sugar levels, improves heart functions, and more.
Cilantro root: An excellent source of antioxidants
Cilantro root boasts a peppery flavor and is full of nutrients. It makes fora common ingredient in traditional medicines. It helps remove arsenic, cadmium, aluminum, lead, mercury, and other heavy metals from your body. Also, it reduces oxidative stress, relieves stress & anxiety, regulates blood sugar levels, promotes heart functions, and more.
Kaffir lime leaves: Loaded with essential oil citronellal
Kaffir lime leaves boast a citrus-like flavor. But it's mostly used in the paste to add a distinctive aroma to the dishes. It's an abundant source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, folate, potassium, vitamin B1, phosphorus, magnesium, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, and more. It helps relieve cough, boosts immunity, relieves liver toxicity, aids in digestion, and promotes heart functions.
Some other ingredients in Thai curry paste are garlic, ginger, dried red chilies, etc.
