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SHRIMP WITH THAI RED CURRY AND PINEAPPLE William Parker This is ultimately a very easy dish to make, but be sure to have everything ready and all your side work done when it comes time to put everything together. In cooking Thai, you’re mindful of balances, of immediacy, of how all the flavors play off each other. Be sure to measure accurately and do not overdo the fish sauce or, of course, the curry paste. What You’ll Need: Wok or wok-like pot 1 ½ to 2 lbs. medium shrimp 1. Shell and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on or removing them—it’s your choice. Wash shrimp in a colander and place on paper towels to dry. 2. Open the cans of coconut milk, being careful not to shake the contents. Scoop ¼ cup of coconut cream from the top of one can and place it in a wok. Carefully remove the remainder of the cream from the first can and all the cream from the second until you have 1 cup of coconut cream. Set aside the 1 cup of coconut cream and the remaining coconut milk. 3. Heat the ¼ cup coconut cream in the wok over medium-low heat until it just starts to bubble. Add the curry paste and whisk until the fragrance is released. Turn up the heat slightly and add the pineapple chunks. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes. 4. Pour the coconut milk from both cans into the wok. Add the dried shrimp and stir. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. 5. Add the fish sauce, sugar, and fresh shrimp. Bring just to a boil, stir, then add 1 cup of coconut cream and the lime leaves. Stir again. Taste for balance and add a bit more sugar or fish sauce if necessary. The sweet should balance against the hot, the hot against the sour. Cook until shrimp is opaque in center. DO NOT OVERCOOK. 6. Serve in soup bowls over hot white rice. Top with chopped cilantro. *Maesri Thai curry paste comes in several varieties besides red. It’s available at the Main Street Grainery in Chatham; Lee’s Market, 1170 Central Avenue, Albany; Kim’s Oriental Shoppe, 1649 Central Avenue, Albany; and online. **Dried shrimp are available at both Asian markets in Albany, as well as Amazon.com. ***Thai sauce is available at some supermarkets, both Asian markets in Albany, and at Amazon.com. ****Kaffir lime leaves are available at Amazon.com If you’re in New York, you can buy all the ingredients at the best Thai grocery in Chinatown. (Unfortunately, they don’t do mail order). Bangkok Center Grocery
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