Sweet potatoes with red curry paste bring together the comforting sweetness of the potato with the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine, creating a dish that’s both familiar and exotic. This recipe, taking only 35 minutes from start to finish, is a testament to the fusion of flavors that can be achieved in a short amount of time.
To begin, gather your ingredients: 2 sweet potatoes, 1 tablespoon of Thai red curry paste, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Additionally, you’ll need chicken stock, salt, and pepper to taste.
Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the curry paste more effectively. Once cubed, place the sweet potatoes in a sauté pan and cover them with chicken stock. This step not only helps to cook the potatoes but also infuses them with extra flavor from the stock.
Next, swirl in the Thai red curry paste. This ingredient is the star of the dish, providing a spicy kick and complex aroma that elevates the sweet potatoes to new heights. The amount of curry paste can be adjusted according to your spice tolerance, but 1 tablespoon is a good starting point for a balanced flavor profile.
Now, it’s time to cook the sweet potatoes. Cover the sauté pan and let them simmer in the chicken stock and curry paste mixture until they are tender. This should take around 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your potato cubes and the heat of your stove.
While the sweet potatoes are cooking, prepare any additional accompaniments you desire. This could include cooking rice using the reserved liquid from the sauté pan, or simply preparing a fresh salad to serve alongside the main dish. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless creativity in pairing it with other flavors and textures.
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, remove them from the heat and drain any excess liquid. Be sure to reserve this flavorful liquid for another use, such as cooking rice or adding depth to soups and stews. Then, using a potato masher or fork, mash the sweet potatoes until they reach your desired consistency.
To finish the dish, add the unsalted butter to the mashed sweet potatoes, along with salt and pepper to taste. The butter adds richness and creaminess to the dish, while the salt and pepper help to balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste experience.
Serve the sweet potatoes with red curry paste hot, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for an extra pop of color and flavor. This dish is sure to impress with its unique combination of sweet, spicy, and savory elements, making it a standout addition to any mealtime repertoire. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger cravings. Enjoy!
