Cuisine : Burmese Curry - how to prepare in detail this traditional Burmese dish

 

Burmese curry, also known as "hin" in Burmese, is a flavorful and aromatic dish that typically features meat or vegetables cooked in a fragrant curry sauce. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare Burmese curry:

### Ingredients:

#### For the Curry Paste:

- Shallots (chopped)

- Garlic cloves

- Ginger (chopped)

- Fresh turmeric (or turmeric powder)

- Dried red chili peppers (soaked in warm water)

- Lemongrass (chopped)

- Coriander seeds

- Cumin seeds

- Shrimp paste (optional)

- Cooking oil

#### For the Curry:

- Meat or vegetables of your choice (chicken, beef, lamb, pork, fish, shrimp, or tofu)

- Potatoes (optional, diced)

- Onion (sliced)

- Tomato (diced)

- Cooking oil

- Fish sauce

- Salt

- Sugar

- Water or coconut milk

- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

- Lime wedges (for serving)

- Steamed rice or bread (to serve with)

### Instructions:

#### 1. Prepare the Curry Paste:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine shallots, garlic cloves, chopped ginger, fresh turmeric, soaked dried red chili peppers, lemongrass, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and shrimp paste (if using).

2. Blend or process the ingredients until you achieve a smooth paste-like consistency. Add a bit of water if needed to help with blending.

#### 2. Cook the Curry:

1. Heat cooking oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the sliced onions to the pot and sauté until they become translucent.

3. Add a few tablespoons of the prepared curry paste to the pot, stirring constantly, and cook for a few minutes until fragrant.

4. Add the meat or vegetables (and diced potatoes if using) to the pot, stirring to coat them with the curry paste.

5. Pour in enough water or coconut milk to cover the ingredients in the pot.

6. Season the curry with fish sauce, salt, and sugar according to taste.

7. Add diced tomatoes to the pot and stir to combine.

8. Bring the curry to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the curry cook gently until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded, stirring occasionally. This typically takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the type of meat or vegetables used.

#### 3. Serve:

1. Once the curry is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

2. Garnish the curry with fresh cilantro leaves.

3. Serve the Burmese curry hot with steamed rice or bread and lime wedges on the side.

Enjoy your homemade Burmese curry, packed with aromatic flavors and hearty ingredients!