Homemade Panang Curry Paste is the spicy backbone of this velvety vegetarian curry from southern Thailand. Serve it with bowls of jasmine rice for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Ingredient info: Unsweetened coconut milk, chiles de árbol, and fish sauce are sold at better supermarkets. Kaffir lime leaves and tamarind concentrate can be found at Southeast Asian markets.
Directions
Heat oil in a large heavy wide pot over medium heat. Add shallots, Panang Curry Paste , and ginger; stir until shallots begin to soften, 2-3 minutes. Add 1/3 cup coconut milk; stir until browned, about 4 minutes.
Add remaining 2 cups coconut milk, 1 1/2 cups vegetable stock, lime leaves, and chiles; stir to blend, scraping up browned bits. Add kabocha squash to pot, set on sides so all pieces fit in a single layer. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until squash is almost tender, 15-20 minutes. Remove squash from pot; stir in cauliflower, carrots, and peppers. Return squash to pot, placing on top of vegetables; cook until all vegetables are tender, 10-15 minutes. Transfer squash to a plate.
Stir tamarind concentrate, half of basil, fish sauce, and lime juice into pot; add tofu. Cover and simmer until heated through, about 2 minutes, adding more stock if too thick. Season to taste with salt.
Divide curry among bowls; top each with 1 wedge of squash; sprinkle remaining basil and peanuts over. Serve curry with steamed jasmine rice.
