Talk about Thai food and you think Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup or red/yellow/green Thai curry. Massaman Curry, surprisingly, is a much less-talked-about sister of Thai curries. Surprising because this curry has a quite a few feathers in its hat. It was rated the World’s Best Food by CNN Travel in 2011.
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/world-best-food-dishes/index.html
Later in 2017, however, it moved to the tenth place through readers’ choice poll. I’m just glad it made it to the Top 10.
http://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/world-best-foods-readers-choice/index.html
I tried this curry for the first time during my trip to Thailand. The hotel I stayed in was a home-run business. The owner of the hotel; Jib, got it especially cooked for me. This gesture really touched me. She knew I am a Muslim and she wanted me to try something that’s believed to have Muslim origins. Above is the only photo, I have of this curry. I had come back after a day-long excursion and was greeted by Jib with this curry waiting for me. I took a quick photo with my cellphone and dug in!
HISTORY
Here’s a small history lesson for you. According to Wikipedia, it was introduced to the court of Ayutthaya in 17th Century by a Persian merchant, Sheikh Ahmed Qomi. Some writers from the mid-19th century called it “Musalman curry”, Musalman being the Urdu/Hindi word for Muslim. Others believe it to be a southern Thai dish from Indian/Malay origins. The Malay word “massam” means “sour”.
No matter how this curry originated, I just like calling it “The curry from heaven.”
Recipe
This curry is very well rounded in flavor and aroma. It’s a delicious fusion of traditional Thai and Indian spices. Although it can be made with chicken, beef, lamb, duck or even tofu (for vegetarians), the most popular kind is with chicken. The main ingredient is Massaman curry paste, a blend of a long list of spices. It has dried and roasted Indian spices not usually used in any other Thai curry. Jib told me the recipe while I was devouring the curry. I searched online and found this recipe that looks like hers.
https://www.templeofthai.com/recipes/massaman_curry.php
If Thailand is on your “Places to see before I die” list, do try Massaman curry while you are there. If you pass by a Thai restaurant or looking for a recipe to try at home, just follow the above link for the recipe! đŸ˜‰
Here’s to the love for food, Thailand and all things amazing.
Until next time! xoxo