Samlor Kari Moan (Cambodian Chicken Curry)
A fragrant and mildly spiced chicken curry soup, enriched with coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, and a blend of Cambodian curry paste, often served with rice noodles or bread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(full fat)
- 500 ml Chicken broth
- 3 tbsp Cambodian curry paste(adjust to taste)
- 2 stalks Lemongrass stalks(bruised and roughly chopped)
- 1 inch piece Galangal(sliced)
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 medium Shallots(thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves(for garnish)
- 1 optional Red chilies(sliced, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced shallots and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- 2
Add minced garlic, chopped lemongrass, and sliced galangal. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
Add the Cambodian curry paste and turmeric powder. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until the paste is fragrant and slightly darkened.
- 4
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and stir to coat them with the curry paste mixture. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
- 5
Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- 6
Stir in the fish sauce and sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 7
Serve the chicken curry hot, garnished with fresh Thai basil leaves and sliced red chilies if desired. It can be enjoyed with steamed rice, rice noodles, or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use homemade Cambodian curry paste if possible.
- ✓Ensure the lemongrass and galangal are well bruised to release their aromas.
- ✓If you can't find galangal, ginger can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be different.
🔄 Variations
- Add cubed potatoes or sweet potatoes along with the chicken for a heartier curry.
- Include other vegetables like bamboo shoots or long beans.
- For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu or tempeh and vegetable broth.