Thai royal cuisine is renowned for its meticulous preparation and intricate flavors, especially in the realm of curries where curry paste plays a vital role. However, many traditional royal Thai curries have become increasingly rare due to their complex cooking techniques and unique ingredients. This article delves into the world of authentic Thai royal curries, featuring some exquisite and hard-to-find recipes that showcase the richness of Thai flavors.
Thai Curry Paste: The Heart of Royal Thai Curries
Thai curry paste comes in various types, each crafted to complement a specific curry:
- Red Curry Paste – Used in rich and aromatic curries like Kaeng Phed (Red Curry).
- Green Curry Paste – A fresh and herbaceous blend for Kaeng Khiao Wan (Green Curry).
- Sour Curry Paste – Essential for tangy and spicy curries like Kaeng Som (Sour Curry).
- Massaman Curry Paste – Infused with Indian spices, giving it a warm and earthy depth.
- Panang Curry Paste – A mildly sweet and nutty paste, often paired with meats.
4 Rare Royal Thai Curries with Authentic Recipes
1. Kaeng Nopphakao
- Curry Paste: Red Curry Paste
- Key Ingredients: Shrimp, squid, chicken, pumpkin, pea eggplant, baby corn, yardlong beans, straw mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and kaffir lime leaves.
- Highlights: This dish, named after the nine auspicious ingredients it contains, symbolizes abundance and prosperity.
How to cook:
- Stir-fry red curry paste with coconut cream until fragrant.
- Gradually pour in more coconut cream, followed by vegetables, starting with the firmest.
- Add chicken , stirring until cooked.
- Season with fish sauce and palm sugar.
- Finish with finely sliced kaffir lime leaves before serving.
2. Coconut Cream Soup with Brazilian Pepper Tree
- Curry Paste: Red Curry Paste
- Key Ingredients: Young bael leaves, chicken or fish, pea eggplants, coconut cream, and kaffir lime leaves.
- Highlights: The use of young bael leaves, a rare ingredient today, gives this dish a unique and aromatic flavor.
How to cook:
- Stir-fry the red curry paste in thick coconut cream until aromatic.
- Add the meat, stir well, then pour in the remaining coconut cream.
- Stir in young bael leaves and pea eggplants.
- Season with fish sauce and palm sugar.
- Garnish with kaffir lime leaves before serving.
3. Kaeng Ranjuan Beef Curry
- Curry Paste: Panang Curry Paste
- Key Ingredients: Beef, lemongrass, shallots, shrimp paste, tamarind juice, and Thai basil.
- Highlights: This dish stands out for its herbal aroma, thanks to the inclusion of lemongrass and shrimp paste.
How to cook:
- Stir-fried the panang curry paste in coconut cream until fragrant.
- Season with shrimp paste, tamarind juice, and fish sauce.
- Add beef slices and simmer in coconut cream until tender.
- Stir in thinly sliced lemongrass and shallots for extra aroma.
- Garnish with Thai basil before serving.
4. Red Curry Pineapple with Shrimp
- Curry Paste: Khua Curry Paste
- Key Ingredients: Fresh prawns, pineapple chunks, coconut cream, and Thai basil.
- Highlights: The natural sweetness and slight tanginess of pineapple perfectly balance the rich, creamy curry.
How to cook:
- Stir-fry the Khua curry paste in thick coconut cream until aromatic.
- Add prawns, followed by additional coconut cream.
- Stir in pineapple chunks and let simmer.
- Season with fish sauce and palm sugar.
- Finish with Thai basil leaves before serving.
Tips for Making Authentic Royal Thai Curries
Use freshly pounded curry paste – Homemade pastes enhance the depth of flavor.
Opt for fresh coconut cream – It provides a natural creaminess without an artificial aftertaste.
Slow simmering is key – This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Achieve perfect balance – Royal Thai cuisine values harmony in taste, avoiding excessive spiciness or sweetness.
Thai royal curries extend beyond popular dishes like Green Curry and Massaman Curry. These rare and exquisite recipes highlight Thailand’s rich culinary heritage and the meticulous techniques passed down through generations. If you are passionate about authentic Thai flavors, try one of these unique curries and experience a taste of Thai royalty.
If you’d like to recreate these rare curries at home but don’t have time to pound your own curry paste, Namjai Curry Paste is a great choice. Made with carefully selected Thai spices and crafted using traditional recipes, it brings the authentic flavors of royal Thai cuisine to your kitchen—without the hassle of preparing everything from scratch.
