Homemade Red Curry Paste: A Simple Journey to Thai Flavors

Ingredients

• 10 dried red chili peppers (about 30-35g)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, roughly chopped
• 1 stalk of lemongrass, finely chopped (white part only)
• 1-inch piece of galangal or ginger, peeled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) shrimp paste (or vegetarian substitute)
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon (2g) black pepper
• Zest of 1 lime
• A handful of fresh cilantro stems (optional)
• Salt to taste