What comes to your mind when you think of Thai cuisine? Probably, chillies! Chilli and chilli sauces are widely used in Thai food. While each dish consists of a unique mix of spices, chilies is what characterises most of Thai Cuisine. However, it would be wrong to think that chillies are only added for the spiciness. Along with this, chillies bring out the true flavors in many Thai dishes. One way in which Thai cooks get the optimum flavors out of chillis is the use of ‘Nam Prik’, which is a Thai Chili paste. It is a versatile condiment in Thai cuisine that can be used as a dip as well as a marinade. In this article, we will look at how to make a mouth-watering Thai chilli paste recipe. So, let’s get started!
What is Thai Chilli Paste?
Thai chilli paste (or ‘Nam Prik’ as it is called in Thailand) is a condiment made by using a variety of chilli peppers blended together with several aromatics and herbs. It is a versatile condiment in Thai cuisine that can be used as a dip as well as a marinade. It is usually eaten with rice as a side dish and can add a powerful and tasty flavour to dishes. The taste can be mild and sweet to spicy and hot. It can also be a combination of both sweet and spicy. Depending on which chillies are used, the taste can vary greatly.
Preparation Time
The preparation time for a Thai chilli paste recipe is about 15 minutes.
Cooking Time
The cooking time is about 45 minutes.
Total Time
The total time to make this recipe is about 60 minutes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Thai Chilli Paste Recipe
Let’s have a look at how to make Thai chilli paste recipe step-by-step:
Step 1: Roasting the Chilli Peppers
The first step in the process is to roast the chilli peppers. To do this, heat some oil in a large pan and add in the chilli peppers. Fry them until they have softened and browned. Once they are done, transfer them to a plate to cool.
Step 2: Preparing the Aromatics
Once the chilli peppers have cooled down, it’s time to prepare the aromatics for the paste. Peel and chop the garlic, shallot and ginger into small pieces. Cut the lemongrass into thin slices. Then set all the ingredients aside.
Step 3: Blending the Ingredients
Now that you have all the ingredients prepared, it’s time to blend them all together. In a food processor, add the roasted chilli peppers, garlic, shallot, lemongrass, palm sugar, fish sauce, and salt. Blend the ingredients until they form a thick paste.
Step 4: Cooking the Paste
Once you have the paste ready, it’s time to cook it. Heat some oil in a pan and add in the paste. Cook the paste over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The paste should turn a darker color and the consistency should become thicker.
Step 5: Adding the Kaffir Lime Leaves
The last step in the process is to add the kaffir lime leaves. Add them to the paste while it is still cooking and stir them in. Cook the paste for another 15 minutes and then remove it from the heat. The paste is now ready to be served.
How to Serve
Thai chilli paste is best served with rice or noodles. It can also be used as a marinade or dip. If you are looking for a spicy kick, then you may want to drizzle some sesame oil over the top for extra flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is Thai chilli paste?
A1. Thai chilli paste, also known as ‘Nam Prink’ is a condiment made from a variety of chilli peppers blended together with several aromatics and herbs. It is a versatile condiment in Thai cuisine that can be used as a dip as well as a marinade.
Q2. What ingredients are needed to make Thai chilli paste?
A2. To make Thai chilli paste, you will need chilli peppers, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, fish sauce, ginger, palm sugar, salt, and kaffir lime leaves.
Q3. How long does it take to make Thai chilli paste?
A3. The preparation time for a Thai chilli paste recipe is about 15 minutes while the cooking time is about 45 minutes. This makes the total time to make this recipe about 60 minutes.
Q4. What are the nutritional values of Thai chilli paste?
A4. Thai chilli paste recipe has the following nutritional values per serving: Calories: 320 kcal; Protein: 7g; Carbohydrates: 17g; Fat: 20g; Fiber: 5g; Sodium: 910mg.
Q5. How is Thai chilli paste best served?
A5. Thai chilli paste is best served with rice or noodles. It can also be used as a marinade or dip. If you are looking for a spicy kick, then you may want to drizzle some sesame oil over the top for extra flavour.
Q6. Is Thai chilli paste easy to make at home?
A6. Yes, it is easy to make Thai chilli paste at home with the right ingredients. With a few simple steps, you can make this delicious paste at home.
Thai Chilli Paste Recipe
A simple yet flavor-packed Thai chilli paste recipe with fresh red chillies, garlic, and shallots.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
Ingredients
2 dried red chillies
2 tablespoons chopped fresh red chilli
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon tamarind puree
1 teaspoon lime juice
Instructions
Soak the dried red chillies in boiling water for 20 minutes.
Drain and roughly chop the chillies.
In a food processor, add the chopped chillies, garlic, and shallots. Pulse until finely chopped.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chilli mixture and sauté for a few minutes.
Add fish sauce, brown sugar, tamarind puree, and lime juice. Mix well.
Continue to cook for 10-15 minutes until the paste is thick and fragrant.
Remove from the heat and let cool before transferring the paste to an air-tight container.
Notes
For more heat, add more fresh chopped red chillies.
You can store the chilli paste in the fridge for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Curry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Halal
Keywords: Thai Chilli Paste, Thai Cuisine, Spicy, , , ,
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