Basic Lemon Grass Curry Sauce

Authentic Cambodian Lemon Grass Curry Sauce Recipe | Vegetarian

Region / culture: Cambodia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

The Basic Lemon Grass Curry Sauce is a vibrant and aromatic concoction that brings the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine right into your kitchen. This recipe is designed for those who cherish the complexity of flavors and the therapeutic process of cooking. With lemon grass, coconut milk, and a blend of spices, this sauce serves as a versatile base that can elevate simple ingredients to an exquisite meal.

History

The origins of lemon grass curry sauce can be traced back to the rich culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, where lemon grass is a staple ingredient. Countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia have their own variations of this sauce, each adding a unique twist to the recipe. This version is inspired by these traditional recipes, adapted for accessibility and ease without compromising on authenticity and flavor.

Ingredients

0.33 cup of sliced lemon grass
4 cloves of garlic
1 tsp of dried galangal
1 tsp of ground turmeric
1 stemmed and seeded jalapeño chile
3 shallots
3.5 cups of coconut milk
3 lime leaves
1 pinch of salt or shrimp paste

How to prepare

In a blender, combine the lemon grass, garlic, galangal, turmeric, jalapeños, and shallots until smooth.
In a saucepan, bring the coconut milk to a boil and add the pureed ingredients, lime leaves, and salt. Stir constantly and simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring often, for approximately 30 minutes or until the lime leaves are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Before serving, remove the lime leaves from the sauce.
To prepare one portion, pour 0.5 cup of this curry sauce into a shallow vessel or a wok.
Add 0.5 cup of meat or vegetables to the sauce, bring to a medium boil, and cook to the desired degree.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp paste with miso paste to maintain the umami flavor. To add heat, include more jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes. For a Thai-inspired variation, add a spoonful of fish sauce and a sprinkle of brown sugar.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To extract maximum flavor from lemon grass, bruise the stalks by gently pounding them with the back of a knife before slicing. This helps release the essential oils. Additionally, simmering the sauce on low heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a harmonious and rich sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of proteins such as chicken, tofu, or shrimp. It also complements vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Serve it over a bed of jasmine rice or with noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Gentle simmering is key to developing the flavors in this sauce. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent the sauce from sticking and burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If lemon grass is not available, lemon zest can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will slightly change. Galangal can be replaced with ginger for a different but equally aromatic taste.

Make Ahead Tips

This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious when reheated.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sauce in a beautiful ceramic bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and a wedge of lime on the side. This adds color and an extra burst of flavor when squeezed over the sauce.

Pairing Recommendations

This curry sauce pairs beautifully with a crisp, dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Gris. These wines complement the richness of the sauce without overpowering its delicate flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of this lemon grass curry sauce contains approximately 120-150 calories, making it a moderate addition to your meal in terms of energy.

Carbohydrates

This lemon grass curry sauce is relatively low in carbohydrates. The primary source of carbs comes from the shallots and garlic. A serving of this sauce contains approximately 8-10 grams of carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those monitoring their carb intake.

Fats

The coconut milk in this recipe contributes to the fat content, providing healthy fats that are essential for a balanced diet. A serving of this sauce contains about 15 grams of fat, most of which are saturated fats from the coconut milk. These fats can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Proteins

This sauce is not a significant source of protein on its own. However, when paired with meat or vegetables, it can contribute to a protein-rich meal. The sauce itself contains less than 2 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemon grass, garlic, and shallots are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals. This sauce is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, iron, and potassium. These nutrients support immune function, vision health, and blood pressure regulation.

Alergens

This recipe contains shrimp paste, which is a potential allergen for those with shellfish allergies. It's also important to note that coconut, a key ingredient, is considered a tree nut by the FDA and may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, this lemon grass curry sauce is a flavorful, moderately caloric option that provides healthy fats, essential vitamins, and minerals. It's low in carbohydrates and proteins but can be part of a balanced meal when combined with other protein sources.

Summary

The Basic Lemon Grass Curry Sauce is a testament to the beauty of Southeast Asian cuisine, offering a symphony of flavors that can transform any meal into a culinary adventure. With its rich history, nutritional benefits, and versatile serving suggestions, this sauce is sure to become a cherished recipe in your cooking repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Basic Lemon Grass Curry Sauce. It was many years ago, during my travels through Southeast Asia. I had always been drawn to the vibrant colors and bold flavors of Asian cuisine, and I was eager to learn as much as I could from the local cooks and vendors.

One day, while wandering through a bustling market in Thailand, I stumbled upon a small stall selling freshly made curry pastes and sauces. The aroma of lemongrass, ginger, and garlic filled the air, and my mouth began to water at the thought of tasting these exotic flavors.

I struck up a conversation with the elderly woman who ran the stall, and she kindly offered to teach me her secret recipe for Basic Lemon Grass Curry Sauce. She explained that the key to a good curry sauce was in the balance of flavors – the heat from the chili peppers, the tanginess of the lemongrass, and the richness of the coconut milk.

As we worked together to prepare the sauce, she shared stories of her own culinary adventures and the various influences that had shaped her cooking style. I was captivated by her knowledge and skill, and I soaked up every detail of the recipe as if it were a precious treasure.

After several hours of chopping, stirring, and simmering, the sauce was finally ready. I eagerly dipped a spoon into the pot and tasted the creamy, fragrant mixture. The flavors exploded on my tongue, and I was instantly transported back to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

I couldn't wait to bring this new recipe home with me and share it with my family and friends. Over the years, I have continued to perfect the Basic Lemon Grass Curry Sauce, adding my own twists and variations to suit my tastes and those of my loved ones.

I have served this sauce with everything from grilled chicken and shrimp to tofu and vegetables, and it never fails to impress. The bright, citrusy notes of lemongrass paired with the warm spices of curry and the creamy richness of coconut milk create a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on the palate.

Each time I make this sauce, I am reminded of that fateful day in the Thai market, and the kind woman who shared her recipe with me. I am grateful for the culinary journey that has brought me to this point, and I look forward to passing on this delicious tradition to future generations.

As I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the fragrant aromas of lemongrass and curry, I am filled with a sense of contentment and pride. Cooking has always been my passion, my way of connecting with others and expressing my creativity. And with each new recipe I learn and master, I am reminded of the endless possibilities that await me in the world of food.

So as I ladle this Basic Lemon Grass Curry Sauce over a steaming bowl of rice, I say a silent thank you to the woman who first shared this recipe with me, and to all the teachers and mentors who have guided me on my culinary journey. And I take a moment to savor the flavors, the memories, and the love that goes into every dish I create.