I’ve got a recipe that’s quicker, healthier, and tastier than ordering takeout from your neighborhood Thai joint. Just grab some chicken (or whatever quick-cooking protein on hand) add some frozen and leftover vegetables, and stir in some curry paste and coconut milk. After a few minutes on the stove, you’ll have a fragrant, flavorful curry. Instead of tipping the delivery guy, you can give yourself a pat on the back instead.
My PSA of the day: Make sure your pantry is stocked with a few Thai curry pastes. My favorite brands are Aroy-D and Mae Ploy and I like yellow, red, and green. You can buy these pastes at most Asian markets, but choose the ones that only contain herbs and spices. Read your labels, folks.
Ingredients (Serves 4 people):
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or fat of choice
- 1 small onion, chopped medium
- 1-2 tablespoons Thai curry paste (whichever color you prefer)
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 10 ounces frozen vegetables
- 2 cups leftover roasted kabocha squash
- 2 tablespoons apple juice (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Instructions:
Cut the chicken into medium-sized chunks and season with salt and pepper.
Heat the coconut oil over medium heat in a medium saucepan.
When the oil is shimmering, brown the chicken…
…and transfer to a separate plate.
Add the onions to the saucepan and sauté until translucent.
Return the chicken and juices to the pot, and add the curry paste to taste.
If you don’t like spicy, just use 1 tablespoon.
Stir-fry until you can smell the rich aroma of toasted spices.
Pour in the coconut milk…
…and toss in the frozen veggies, squash, and apple juice (if using).
Raise the heat to high and bring the contents of the pot to a boil. Then, turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer the curry for 10 minutes or until the veggies are warmed through and the flavors meld. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.
Add the basil chiffonade…
…and serve over zoodles or Asian Cauliflower fried rice.
Yep, it’s that simple.
Looking for more recipe ideas? Head on over to my Recipe Index. You’ll also find exclusive recipes on my iPhone and iPad app, and in my cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2013) and Ready or Not! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2017)!
