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Curries

Massaman Curry with Beef

แกงมัสมั่นเนื้อ

Kaeng Matsaman Nuea

A slow-cooked southern Thai curry with tender beef, potatoes, coconut milk and warm spices. It is milder and sweeter than many Thai curries.

Prep25 min
Cook120 min
Total145 min
Serves6
DifficultyIntermediate
SpiceMild
Southern Thailand Contains Meat Approx. cost: 420–560 THB
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      About this dish

      A slow-cooked southern Thai curry with tender beef, potatoes, coconut milk and warm spices. It is milder and sweeter than many Thai curries.

      Nutrition per serving

      Calories784 kcal
      Protein31.3 g
      Carbohydrates35.2 g
      Fat60.4 g
      Saturated fat38.5 g
      Fibre6.6 g
      Sugar14.4 g
      Sodium1119 mg

      Nutrition values are estimates per serving and may vary with brands, portions and substitutions.

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      Smart substitutions

      Substitutions can make the recipe easier, safer or suitable for a dietary need, but they may change the authentic flavour.

      Fish Sauce

      Flavour: light soy sauce plus a pinch of seaweed

      Allergy: coconut aminos

      Dietary: vegan fish sauce

      Palm Sugar

      Flavour: light brown sugar

      Allergy: maple syrup

      Dietary: coconut sugar

      Tamarind

      Flavour: lime juice plus brown sugar

      Allergy: rice vinegar plus sugar

      Dietary: lime juice plus sugar

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      Ingredients

      • 800 g beef chuck4 cm cubes
      • 4 tbsp Massaman curry paste
      • 500 g Potatopeeled and chunked
      • 1 Onioncut into wedges
      • 3 tbsp fish sauce
      • 2 tbsp palm sugar
      • 2 tbsp tamarind water
      • 1 stick cinnamon
      • 3 cardamom podslightly crushed
      • 2 bay leaves
      • 60 g roasted peanuts
      Preparation notes

      Cook it a day ahead when possible; the spice flavour becomes rounder overnight.

      Method

      1. 1

        Brown the paste

        Cook thick coconut cream with curry paste until fragrant and glossy.

      2. 2

        Add beef

        Stir in beef and coat well in the paste.

      3. 3

        Slow simmer

        Add remaining coconut milk, cinnamon, cardamom and bay leaves. Cover and simmer gently for about 75 minutes.

      4. 4

        Add vegetables

        Add potatoes and onion, then continue simmering until the beef and potatoes are tender.

      5. 5

        Balance the curry

        Season with fish sauce, palm sugar and tamarind. Stir in peanuts and simmer for 5 minutes.

      6. 6

        Rest and serve

        Let the curry stand for 10 minutes before serving.

      What it tastes like

      Rich, mildly spiced, sweet-savoury and aromatic with cinnamon and cardamom.

      Make it milder

      Massaman is naturally mild. Use a smaller amount of paste and extra coconut milk if necessary.

      Ingredient substitutions

      Lamb, chicken thighs or firm tofu can replace beef.

      Vegetarian alternative

      Use tofu, pumpkin and mushrooms with vegan curry paste and soy sauce.

      Common mistakes

      Rushing the simmer leaves the beef tough. Potatoes added too early may disintegrate.

      Serving the dish

      Serve with hot jasmine rice and a crisp cucumber relish.

      Garnishes

      Roasted peanuts and a few coriander leaves.

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      Cooking and allergy notice

      Cooking times and ingredient quantities are approximate. Ensure meat, seafood and eggs are thoroughly cooked, follow safe food-handling guidance, and adjust ingredients for allergies or dietary requirements.