Massaman Curry Paste (น้ำพริกแกงมัสมั่น)

Makes: 1 cup curry paste

What you need

• 2 stalks Lemongrass, using only the bottom part (white bits), cut into small pieces
• 3 slices Galangal, cut into small pieces
• 1 head Garlic, peeled and cut into small pieces
• 6 Shallots, cut into small pieces
• 10 Large dried chillies
• 1/2 cup Oil
• 1 Tbsp Cumin seeds
• 1 Tbsp Coriander powder
• 3 Cardamom
• 6 Cloves
• 1 tsp Whole black peppercorn
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 2 tsp Shrimp paste
• 1 Tbsp Coriander roots
• 1/8 tsp Cinnamon powder
• 1/2 tsp Mace

How to put this together

1. In a small pot, heat oil on medium heat.
2. Deep fry lemongrass + galangal + garlic until fragrant. Transfer to a plate.
3. In the same oil, deep fry shallots until light brown. Transfer to a plate.
4. In the same oil, deep fry dried chillies until deep red. Transfer to a plate.
   
5. Leave the oil to cool a bit before next step.
6. In a food processor, add all ingredients. Blend to a fine paste.