RED CURRY SAUCE RECIPES

Steps:

• 1. Wash the lentils, then place them in a pan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender. Meanwhile, blitz all the vegetables, garlic and ginger in a food processor until finely chopped.
  2. Heat enough oil to cover the bottom of a large saucepan, put it on a low heat, add the spices and fry gently for a couple of minutes. Then add the onions, carrots, pepper, garlic, ginger, coriander stalks, the chilli and all the spices and fry gently for 5-10 minutes until the onions start to soften.
  3. Add the tomatoes, water and lentils and simmer for another 30 minutes before adding the coconut milk. Bring to the boil then remove from the heat and blend until smooth using a hand blender. Season to taste. Set aside to cool then use as required.
  4. Tip Any surplus sauce can be frozen to use at a later date.
  5. This recipe is from School Dinners.

Steps:

• Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat and fry 1 tbsp ginger and 1 tbsp garlic paste for 2 mins. Add 5-6 tbsp red curry paste, sizzle for a few secs, then pour in 800ml coconut milk.
• Bring to the boil, reduce to a simmer, stir a little and wait for the oil to rise to the surface.
• Add 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks, and lime leaves, and simmer for 12 mins or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Add 1 tbsp of the fish sauce and a pinch of brown sugar, then taste – if you like it a little saltier, add more fish sauce; if you like it sweeter, add a little more sugar.
• Bring to the boil, take off the heat and add ½ small pack Thai basil.
• Spoon the curry into four bowls and top with 1 red chilli, a thumb-sized piece of ginger and a few extra basil leaves. Serve with jasmine rice.