Thai Green Curry with Eggplant is a vibrant, aromatic dish that brings a taste of Thailand straight to your kitchen. This recipe is a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory notes, making it both comforting and exciting for the palate.
Vegetable oil is used as the base to sauté the curry paste, helping to release its flavors. Green curry paste brings the essential spicy and herbal notes characteristic of Thai cuisine. Coconut milk adds a creamy texture and balances the spice with its natural sweetness. Eggplant absorbs the curry flavors, offering a meaty texture without the meat. Red and yellow bell peppers add a sweet crunch and vibrant color. Fish sauce provides umami depth, while brown sugar rounds out the savory elements with a hint of sweetness. Fresh basil leaves introduce a fragrant, peppery finish, and lime juice adds a zesty brightness. Finally, season with salt as needed to enhance all the flavors.
This Thai Green Curry pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the sauce beautifully. For a complete meal, consider serving with a simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil.
Start by heating a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add two tablespoons of green curry paste, stirring it around for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. This step is crucial to bring out the complex flavors of the curry paste.
Next, pour in the can of coconut milk, stirring it thoroughly to combine with the curry paste. Allow this mixture to come to a simmer, which helps meld the flavors together.
It's time to introduce the eggplant cubes. Add them to the pan and let them simmer for about 10 minutes. This softens the eggplant and allows it to soak up the curry's deliciousness.
Add the sliced bell peppers, along with one tablespoon each of fish sauce and brown sugar. Stir everything together and continue to simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet retain a slight crunch.
Just before serving, stir in half a cup of fresh basil leaves and the juice of one lime. These additions will brighten up the dish and provide a fresh finish. Taste and season with salt as needed.
Serve your curry hot over a bed of cooked jasmine rice, and enjoy the beautiful blend of flavors.