FAQ

Our mission is to not only provide you with the highest-quality curry pastes but also to empower you with the knowledge and inspiration to create mouthwatering dishes that your family and friends will love. So, let's embark on this flavorful journey together, exploring the fascinating world of curry and curry paste.

Without further ado, let's start unraveling the mysteries and flavors of curry with our Curry Paste FAQ!

Can I replace curry paste with curry powder?

While curry paste and curry powder are both flavorful ingredients used in cooking, they are not direct substitutes for each other. The choice between using curry paste or curry powder depends on the recipe and the desired flavor profile.

Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

1. **Texture and Consistency:** Curry paste is a wet, thick, and concentrated mixture of ingredients like chilies, herbs, and spices blended into a paste with the addition of oil or other liquids. Curry powder, on the other hand, is a dry spice blend that consists of various ground spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric, and more.

2. **Flavor Intensity:** Curry paste tends to have a more intense and immediate flavor because it contains concentrated ingredients, including fresh herbs and aromatics. Curry powder, while still flavorful, offers a milder and more blended taste.

3. **Usage:** Curry paste is often used as a base for Thai Asian curries and typically requires additional ingredients like coconut milk or broth to create a sauce. Curry powder is more commonly associated with Indian and Western-style curries and can be used as a seasoning in various dishes, including soups, stews, and even marinades.

4. **Substitution:** If you have neither curry paste nor curry powder and need a quick alternative, you can create a makeshift curry flavor by mixing individual ground spices (such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder) in proportions that align with your taste preferences. This can mimic the flavor profile of curry powder to some extent. However, it won't replicate the texture and intensity of curry paste.

In summary, you can't directly replace curry paste with curry powder in a recipe without adjusting other elements. If your recipe calls for curry paste and you only have curry powder, consider making the spice blend mentioned above, or if possible, visit your local store to obtain the appropriate curry paste for an authentic and flavorful result.

What is a different between green curry paste and red curry paste?

Green curry paste and red curry paste are two popular staples in Thai cuisine, known for their ability to infuse dishes with rich, complex flavours. While they share several common ingredients, such as lemongrass, galangal, shallot, kaffir lime peel, salt, sugar, and vegetable oil, the primary distinction lies in their choice of chilli peppers.

Green curry paste derives its vibrant green colour and distinct flavour from fresh green chilli peppers, which are typically spicier. These Thai green chilies are known for their bright, grassy notes and can vary in heat, but they often pack a punch. As a result, green curry paste tends to have a fresher, more herbaceous taste with a spicy kick that can vary in intensity depending on how much of the paste you use in your cooking.

Red curry paste gets its name and deep red hue from the use of dehydrated dried red chilli peppers. The drying process can mellow the spiciness of the chilies compared to their fresh counterparts. However, red curry paste still delivers a notable level of heat and a smokier, more concentrated chilli flavour. As with green curry paste, the level of spiciness in your dish will depend on how much red curry paste you use.

We recommend starting with a conservative amount, such as 1 tablespoon, and gradually increasing it to suit your desired level of spiciness. It's essential to remember that if you use too much paste, you cannot easily reduce the spiciness, so it's better to start with a smaller quantity and adjust according to your taste preferences.

Why do people use curry paste?

People use curry paste for several reasons, as it adds unique flavors and convenience to their cooking:

1. **Flavorful Complexity:** Curry paste is a concentrated blend of herbs, spices, and other flavorful ingredients, offering a complex and aromatic taste. It provides depth and character to dishes, making them more exciting and satisfying.

2. **Convenience:** Making a curry paste from scratch can be time-consuming and requires a variety of ingredients. Using pre-made curry paste simplifies the cooking process, allowing individuals to prepare delicious curries and related dishes quickly.

3. **Consistency:** Pre-made curry paste ensures consistency in flavor. When you use the same brand or type of curry paste, you can expect a consistent taste in your dishes, which is important for restaurants and home cooks alike.

4. **Variety:** Curry paste comes in various flavors and levels of spiciness. This diversity allows people to choose the paste that best suits their taste preferences, whether they prefer mild, medium, or spicy curries. It also enables them to experiment with different regional styles, such as Thai green curry or Indian tikka masala.

5. **Cultural Authenticity:** Many people use curry paste to create authentic dishes from specific cuisines like Thai, Indian, or Southeast Asian. Using the right curry paste helps capture the true essence of these culinary traditions.

6. **Versatility:** Curry paste is not limited to just curries. It can be used to flavor a wide range of dishes, including stir-fries, soups, marinades, and more. Its versatility makes it a valuable ingredient in the kitchen.

7. **Time Savings:** Using curry paste eliminates the need to source and prepare numerous individual spices and ingredients. This saves time and effort in the kitchen, making it more accessible for busy individuals.

8. **Balanced Flavors:** Curry paste often contains a well-balanced combination of spices and herbs, ensuring that the flavors complement each other harmoniously in a dish. This balance can be challenging to achieve when using individual spices.

In summary, people use curry paste for its ability to add complexity, convenience, and authenticity to their cooking. Whether they are looking for a quick meal solution or aiming to recreate traditional dishes, curry paste serves as a valuable ingredient in many kitchens worldwide.