Lao Gaeng Pa (Jungle Curry)
A vibrant and spicy jungle curry from Laos, known for its intense flavor profile derived from a blend of fresh herbs, chilies, and aromatic spices. It typically features a mix of meats and vegetables, simmered in a flavorful broth without coconut milk, making it lighter and more herbaceous.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 150 g Thai eggplants(quartered)
- 100 g Yardlong beans(cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 100 g Bamboo shoots(sliced)
- 2 stalks Lemongrass stalks(bruised and roughly chopped)
- 1 inch piece Galangal(thinly sliced)
- 4 leaves Kaffir lime leaves(torn)
- 3 pieces Thai bird's eye chilies(adjust to taste, roughly chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 2 medium Shallots(thinly sliced)
- 3 tbsp Fish sauce
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 4 cups Water
- 0.25 cup Fresh dill(chopped)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Toasted rice powder(optional, for thickening)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the curry paste: In a mortar and pestle or food processor, combine the chopped lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, Thai bird's eye chilies, minced garlic, and sliced shallots. Pound or process until a coarse paste forms.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the curry paste and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- 3
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
- 4
Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Add the fish sauce. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- 5
Add the Thai eggplants, yardlong beans, and bamboo shoots to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 6
Stir in the chopped fresh dill and cilantro. If using, stir in the toasted rice powder to thicken the curry slightly.
- 7
Simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with more fish sauce if needed. Serve hot with sticky rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier curry, add more Thai bird's eye chilies.
- ✓If you can't find Thai eggplants, regular small eggplants can be used, but may require slightly longer cooking time.
- ✓Ensure the lemongrass and galangal are well bruised or finely chopped to release their flavors.
🔄 Variations
- Substitute chicken with firm tofu or other vegetables like mushrooms or pumpkin for a vegetarian version.
- Add a splash of lime juice at the end for extra brightness.