Thai Red Curry Paste / Gaeng Phet


Makes 1 cup curry paste

Ingredients

5-10 small fresh red chilies (10=HOT)
5-6 cloves garlic, chopped fine
2 tablespoons shallots, chopped fine
2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
2 tablespoons galangal root, peeled and chopped fine
2 tablespoons ginger root, peeled and chopped fine
2 tablespoons lemongrass bulb, cleaned and trimmed and chopped fine
2 tablespoons lime zest
1 tablespoon turmeric
1 tablespoon paprika
2 tablespoons white peppercorn, crushed
1 tablespoon coriander seeds, toasted and crushed
1 tablespoon cumin seeds, toasted and crushed
2-3 kfir lime leaves, chopped
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

1/2 cup lime juice

Directions

Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse on chop until a chunky paste is created, add water as needed. Alternatively crush together in a alarge mortar witha pestle or crush and drag into a paste using a large knife.