Kaeng pa
A traditional Thai curry without coconut milk
Kaeng pa (Thai: แกงป่า ), also known as jungle curry, is a type of Thai curry that originates from the forested areas of Northern Thailand. Unlike other Thai curries, kaeng pa does not contain coconut milk, which makes it lighter and more broth-like in consistency. This dish is known for its spicy and aromatic qualities, utilizing a variety of fresh herbs and spices.
Ingredients[edit | edit source]
Kaeng pa is traditionally made with a variety of ingredients that are readily available in the forests of Northern Thailand. The key components include:
- Meat: Commonly used meats include chicken, pork, or beef. In some regions, wild boar or game meat may be used.
- Vegetables: A variety of vegetables can be used, such as eggplant, bamboo shoots, green beans, and baby corn.
- Herbs and Spices: The curry is flavored with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai basil.
- Chili paste: A spicy paste made from dried chilies, garlic, shallots, and shrimp paste is essential for the heat and depth of flavor.
Preparation[edit | edit source]
The preparation of kaeng pa involves several steps:
1. Making the curry paste: The chili paste is made by pounding dried chilies, garlic, shallots, and shrimp paste together in a mortar and pestle until a smooth paste is formed. 2. Cooking the curry: The paste is fried in a pot with a small amount of oil to release its flavors. Meat is then added and cooked until browned. 3. Simmering: Water or stock is added to the pot, followed by vegetables and herbs. The curry is simmered until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. 4. Seasoning: The dish is seasoned with fish sauce, lime juice, and sometimes a touch of palm sugar to balance the flavors.
Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]
Kaeng pa is a reflection of the resourcefulness of the people living in the forested regions of Thailand. The absence of coconut milk is due to the unavailability of coconuts in these areas, leading to a reliance on local ingredients. This dish is a testament to the adaptability and creativity of Thai cuisine.
Variations[edit | edit source]
While the traditional kaeng pa is made with meat, there are vegetarian versions that substitute meat with tofu or additional vegetables. The level of spiciness can also be adjusted according to personal preference.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
Gallery[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD