Green Curry Paste
INGREDIENTS
1 teaspoon cumin seed
1 teaspoon coriander seed
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white peppercorn
2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and thinly sliced
7 cloves garlic, sliced
10 thai green chilis
5 small shallots, sliced
½ cup fresh cilantro stem
3 oz kaffir lime peel
3 oz galangal, sliced
½ cup kaffir lime leaf
1 cup fresh thai sweet basil
2 tablespoons shrimp paste
METHOD
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, toast the cumin seeds and coriander seeds until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Transfer to a pestle or bowl.
3. Add the salt and pound with a mortar until the spices are broken up.
4. Continue pounding as you add the white peppercorns, lemongrass, kaffir lime peel, galangal, garlic, Thai green chilis, cilantro stems, Thai basil, kaffir leaves, shallots, and shrimp paste, until a coarse paste forms.