Discover how to make a delicious Panang Curry with our easy recipe! This Thai favorite features a rich and creamy sauce made from Panang curry paste, coconut milk, and your choice of meat or vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal that's both slightly sweet and savory. Ideal for spice lovers and curry enthusiasts alike!

Ingredients:

- 2 tbsp Panang curry paste

- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk

- 1 lb meat (chicken, beef, or pork) or vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, bamboo shoots)

- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

- 1 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)

- 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar

- 1 cup water or chicken broth

- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

- 1-2 kaffir lime leaves (optional)

- 1 red chili, sliced (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

  - Slice the meat into bite-sized pieces or chop the vegetables as desired.

  - Tear the kaffir lime leaves into pieces if using.

Cook the Curry Paste:

  - Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.

  - Add the Panang curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Coconut Milk:

  - Pour in the coconut milk and stir well to combine with the curry paste.

Simmer:

  - Add the meat or vegetables to the pan.

  - Pour in the water or chicken broth and stir.

  - Bring to a simmer and cook until the meat is tender or the vegetables are cooked through (about 10-15 minutes).

Season:

  - Stir in the fish sauce (or soy sauce) and palm sugar (or brown sugar).

  - Adjust seasoning to taste. Add the sliced red chili if you prefer extra heat.

Finish:

  - Tear the basil leaves and add them to the curry.

  - Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.

Serve:

  - Serve hot over jasmine rice or with naan bread. Enjoy your creamy, slightly sweet Panang Curry!

Nutritional values

For the Panang Curry

Panang Curry Paste (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: ~30

 - Carbohydrates: ~5g

 - Protein: ~1g

 - Fat: ~1g

Benefits:

 - Adds depth of flavor and aromatic spices.

 - Ingredients often include lemongrass, galangal, and coriander, which may offer digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Coconut Milk (1 can, 14 oz)

 - Calories: ~150

 - Carbohydrates: ~5g

 - Protein: ~1g

 - Fat: ~15g

Benefits:

 - Provides a rich, creamy texture.

 - Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that may support metabolism.

Meat (1 lb or 450 g; chicken, beef, or pork) or Vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, bamboo shoots)

- Meat (per 100g, cooked):

 - Chicken: ~165 calories, 31g protein, 3.6g fat

 - Beef: ~250 calories, 26g protein, 17g fat

 - Pork: ~242 calories, 25g protein, 17g fat

Vegetables (per 1 cup):

 - Bell Peppers: ~30 calories, 1g protein, 0g fat

 - Carrots: ~50 calories, 1g protein, 0g fat

 - Bamboo Shoots: ~20 calories, 1g protein, 0g fat

Benefits:

 - Provides protein (for meat) or vitamins and fiber (for vegetables).

 - Enhances the nutritional profile of the curry with essential nutrients.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: ~240

 - Fat: ~28g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Used for cooking, adds flavor.

 - Choose oils with high smoke points for better results.

Fish Sauce (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: ~20

 - Carbohydrates: ~2g

 - Protein: ~2g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a salty, umami flavor.

 - Provides a small amount of protein and minerals.

Palm Sugar or Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: ~50

 - Carbohydrates: ~13g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness to balance the flavors.

 - Palm sugar contains trace minerals like potassium and magnesium.

Water or Chicken Broth (1 cup)

 - Calories: 0

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Used to adjust the consistency of the curry.

 - Chicken broth adds flavor and a small amount of protein and minerals.

Fresh Basil Leaves (1/4 cup)

 - Calories: ~5

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0.5g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds aromatic flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants and essential oils that may support health.

Kaffir Lime Leaves (1-2 leaves, optional)

 - Calories: ~5

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a distinctive citrus flavor.

 - Contains essential oils with potential health benefits.

Red Chili (1-2, sliced, optional)

 - Calories: ~6

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0.2g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds heat and flavor.

 - Contains capsaicin, which may have metabolic and pain-relief benefits.

Enjoy preparing your flavorful Panang curry!