Mussaman Curry Paste

Nam Prik Gaeng Mussaman • Mussaman Curry Paste

3 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 teaspoon finely chopped galangal
1 heaped tablespoon finely sliced lemongrass
2 cloves
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
5 black peppercorns
3 dried chilics, cut, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes and deseeded
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon shrimp paste

Dry fry the shallots, garlic, galangal, lemongrass, cloves, coriander and cumin seeds in a wok over low heat for about 5 minutes, then grind into a powder. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the shrimp paste, and blend to mix well. Combine the blended mixture and the shrimp paste and blend again to obtain 1/2cup (125 ml) of fine-textured paste.