Recipe for Chicken and Pumpkin Thai Curry

Recipe for Chicken and Pumpkin Thai Curry

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups pumpkin, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2-3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste (adjust according to your spice preference)
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots (optional)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   • Start by prepping your chicken and pumpkin. Ensure the pumpkin is cut into even cubes so it cooks uniformly.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
   • Add the chicken pieces and sauté until they start to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Curry:
   • In the same pan, add the Thai red curry paste and cook for about a minute until it becomes fragrant.
   • Slowly pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring continuously to combine well with the curry paste.
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and add the pumpkin cubes. Let them cook for about 10 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • Return the chicken to the pan along with the sliced red bell pepper and bamboo shoots if using.
   • Season the curry with fish sauce and brown sugar, adjusting these for the right balance of savory and sweet.
5. Simmer the Curry:
   • Continue to simmer everything together for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the pumpkin is tender but not mushy.
6. Final Touches:
   • Stir in the fresh basil leaves and lime juice just before taking the curry off the heat.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional fish sauce or salt if needed.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the curry hot over a bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice.
   • Garnish with more basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

This Chicken and Pumpkin Thai Curry is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visually appealing dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy the process and the meal!