Massaman Curry

• 1.2kg beef or lamb (on the bone)

• 1 shallot
• 5 cloves garlic
• 3cm piece fresh ginger
• 100ml water
• 1 red chilli
• 3 whole cloves
• 1/2 tsp cumin seed
• pinch nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp coriander seeds
• 4 cardamom pods
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 4 bayleaves
• 30ml vegetable oil
• 1tsp soy sauce
• 2 star anise
• 20g fresh tamarind
• 1/2 tsp fish sauce
• 800g peeled and thickly sliced potatoes
• 400ml coconut milk
• 1tsp lemon juice
• 2tsp brown sugar
• 200ml water
• 2ts fried shallots
• 2tsp coriander
• 2tsp peanuts-chopped (optional)

Step 1

First we make the paste or base. Blend together shallot, garlic, ginger, chilli, cumin, nutmeg, coriander seed, cardamom, cinnamon and 100ml water to a smooth paste.

Step 2

In a large pot over a high heat, add vegetable oil and then fry the paste for 3mins. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the meat and stir through. Cook for 2mins. Season.

Step 3

Add soy sauce, bayleaves, coconut milk, lemon juice, star anise, fish sauce, sugar, tamarind and 200ml water to the pot of lamb. The liquid should remain slightly above the meat during cooking. Add more water if required.

Step 4

bring pot to a simmer, lower the heat to low, and then cook with a lid for 1hr 10mins. Season to taste.

Step 5

Remove the lid and add potatoes. Ensure you have just enough liquid to just cover the potatoes and meat. Add more water if required. Season slightly and add more chilli if you like the curry hot. Cook for another 15mins.