Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (Thai Green Curry with Chicken) Recipe

Gaeng Keow Wan Gai, or Thai Green Curry with Chicken, is a beloved dish known for its perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. This aromatic curry features tender chicken pieces simmered in a fragrant green curry sauce with coconut milk and an assortment of vegetables.

Ingredients

500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
400ml coconut milk
2-3 tablespoons green curry paste
2 kaffir lime leaves, torn
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon palm sugar
1 small eggplant, cut into chunks
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 handful of Thai basil leaves
2-3 small Thai green chilies, sliced (optional)
Vegetable oil for cooking

Instructions

In a large pot or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the green curry paste and fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add about 1/2 cup of coconut milk to the curry paste and stir well. Cook until the oil starts to separate from the coconut milk.
Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat them with the curry mixture. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the chicken starts to turn white.
Pour in the remaining coconut milk, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the kaffir lime leaves, eggplant, and red bell pepper. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. The curry should have a balance of spicy, salty, and slightly sweet flavors.
Just before serving, stir in the Thai basil leaves and sliced green chilies (if using).
Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.

Chef's Tips:

For an authentic taste, try making your own green curry paste using fresh ingredients like green chilies, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime zest.
You can adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of green curry paste used.
Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like bamboo shoots, Thai pea eggplants, or green beans.
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with firm tofu and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.

Enjoy your homemade Gaeng Keow Wan Gai! This comforting and flavorful dish is sure to transport you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok.