Are you tired of eating the same old chicken and rice every single night? I get it. Sometimes you just want something packed with fresh flavors to wake up your taste buds. Today, I am going to show you how to make a super simple Thai green curry right in your own kitchen.
Thai food can sometimes look scary to cook at home because the ingredient list feels long. But trust me, once you get everything ready, it comes together in just a few minutes. It is creamy, spicy, sweet, and comforting all at the same time. If you love warm dinners that feel like a hug, this one is for you. You can also check out Azeely for more fun meal ideas.
Why Thai Green Curry is the Ultimate Dinner Choice
When the temperature drops or you just had a really long day at work, you need food that makes you feel good. This curry uses coconut milk to create a rich base. The green curry paste brings a lovely kick of heat. You can load it up with your favorite veggies and protein.
The best part about cooking this meal at home is that you are the boss. Do you like it extra spicy? Just add more paste. Do you want it creamier? Pour in a little extra coconut milk. It is very hard to mess up. By the time you sit down to eat, your house will smell amazing.
Ingredients Needed
Here is everything you need to gather before you start cooking:
- One tablespoon of cooking oil
- Two to three tablespoons of green curry paste
- One can of full fat coconut milk
- One pound of chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
- One cup of sliced bell peppers
- One cup of fresh broccoli florets
- One tablespoon of fish sauce
- One tablespoon of brown sugar
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- Lime wedges for serving
- Cooked jasmine rice for serving
If you prefer a meatless dinner, you can easily swap the chicken for firm tofu and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce. Cooking should be fun, so feel free to use whatever vegetables are sitting in your fridge.
Step By Step Making
1. Heat the pan: Grab a large skillet or a deep pot and place it over medium heat. Add your cooking oil and let it get nice and warm.
2. Fry the paste: Drop the green curry paste right into the hot oil. Stir it around constantly for about one minute. You will smell a huge burst of tasty aromas. This step wakes up all the spices in the paste.
3. Add the coconut milk: Open your can of coconut milk and pour about half of it into the pan. Stir it well with the curry paste until the liquid turns a pretty light green color. Let it simmer for a few minutes until you see tiny bubbles.
4. Cook the chicken: Toss your chicken pieces into the bubbling sauce. Make sure each piece gets completely coated. Let them cook for about five minutes until they start to turn white on the outside.
5. Add the veggies: Throw in your sliced bell peppers and broccoli florets. Pour in the rest of the coconut milk. Stir everything together gently.
6. Season the sauce: Add the fish sauce and brown sugar to the pan. These two ingredients balance out the heat from the paste with a nice sweet and salty flavor. Turn the heat down to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for about ten minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are tender.
7. Finish with green herbs: Turn off the heat completely. Toss in your fresh basil leaves. They will wilt quickly in the hot curry and add a wonderful fresh taste.
8. Serve it up: Scoop a generous mound of hot jasmine rice into your favorite bowl. Ladle the warm green curry right over the top. Squeeze a little fresh lime juice over everything right before you dig in.
Nutritional Value
If you are keeping track of what you eat, here is a general breakdown of the numbers for one serving of this curry:
- Calories: Around 450 calories per serving (without rice)
- Protein: About 30 grams of muscle-building protein from the chicken
- Carbs: Roughly 15 grams of carbohydrates mostly coming from the fresh vegetables and coconut milk
If you love starting your mornings with healthy foods too, you might want to try a Yogurt Parfait with Granola and Fruits for breakfast the next day to keep your energy high.
Health Benefits of This Meal
Eating healthy does not mean you have to eat boring food. This Thai green curry brings plenty of goodness to your body.
The bell peppers and broccoli are full of vitamins and fiber. Fiber helps your tummy stay happy and keeps you feeling full for a long time. This means you will not be tempted to snack on junk food late at night.
The spices found in green curry paste, such as ginger, garlic, and lemongrass, have been used for ages to support overall wellness. They give your immune system a nice little boost. Plus, using healthy fats from coconut milk helps your body absorb all the good nutrients from the vegetables.
Cooking your own dinner at home also helps you control what goes into your food. You avoid heavy preservatives and extra sodium that you usually find in takeout meals. Your body and your wallet will both thank you.
Give this recipe a try this weekend. Put on some nice music, take your time chopping the veggies, and enjoy a warm bowl of homemade goodness. Happy cooking!
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by azeely.com for general informational purposes only.
