What makes this recipe easy, you ask?
It’s made without store-bought Massaman curry paste, which can be difficult to find, utilizing red curry paste instead! It uses ingredients you likely have on hand right now. We include protein options for vegans, pescatarians, and meat-eaters so you can customize and simplify as needed!
Let’s do this!
What is Massaman Curry?
Massaman curry is a fusion of Thai- and Indian-style curries, utilizing both a red-style curry paste (Thai influence) and dry whole spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and nutmeg (Indian influence). Another essential ingredient is roasted peanuts, which add an extra layer of richness and texture to the curry. Check out an authentic preparation of Massaman curry here from Hot Thai Kitchen!
What Makes Our Recipe Easier?
Initially, we were planning to make this curry using homemade Massaman curry paste, as it can be difficult to find in stores and some brands just flat out don’t taste good. While we were able to get close to what we were looking for, we realized it’d be way easier to rely on traditional Thai red curry paste and customize the flavor with spices you likely have on hand right now. This helps avoid having to make curry paste from scratch or buy special curry paste from the store. It’s a win-win if you ask us! While not a traditional approach, it does get this flavorful, robust curry on the table fast! This recipe is also easy to prepare as it’s made entirely in 1 pot depending on the protein you choose to serve it with.
How to Make Vegan Massaman Curry
Massaman curry is typically made with meat, but it’s incredibly easy to keep it vegan-friendly by substituting the meat with tofu or tempeh. We include options in the recipe below for vegans, vegetarians, pescetarians, and meat eaters! Thankfully, this is a recipe that’s easy to modify for different dietary restrictions without too much fuss (simply prepare your protein of choice — such as our Crispy Baked Peanut Tofu — on the side and add when serving).
How to Make your Curry Lighter
As with most Thai curries, coconut milk is the main component of the sauce, which helps create a rich, creamy, and naturally sweet base. However, to lighten this curry up, you could always sub up to half of the coconut milk with vegetable broth or water. Just be sure to adjust the flavor as needed as vegetable broth will add more saltiness and water will likely require more salt to taste.
What to Pair with Massaman Curry
Massaman curry is delicious on its own, but would also pair well with:
Thai-Inspired Spring Rolls with Cashew Dipping Sauce Blissed Out Thai Salad with Peanut Tempeh Vegan Papaya Salad 30-Minute Noodle-Free Pad Thai (a fan favorite!) Thai-Inspired Carrot Salad with Curried Cashews
We hope you LOVE this curry! It’s: CreamyRichFlavorfulCustomizableQuick & easy to make& Incredibly delicious This would make the perfect dish to make for hosting, or when you’re craving some weeknight comfort. It’s delicious on its own, but pairs especially well with white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. To keep this recipe grain-free, simply serve with cauliflower rice or steamed or roasted vegetables of choice (our favorite being steamed or roasted broccoli).
Into curries? Be sure to check out our
1-Pot Pumpkin Yellow Curry Rich Red Curry with Roasted Vegetables Thai-Style Yellow Cauliflower Chickpea Curry Kale Sweet Potato Curry
Lastly, if you try this recipe let us know! Leave a comment with a rating, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram so we can see what you come up with. Cheers, friends!
