Panang Curry Paste (Nam Prik Kaeng Phanaeng)

Panang curry paste is a type of Thai curry paste that is used as the base for Panang curry, a dish named after the island of Penang in Malaysia but widely popular in Thailand. This curry paste is known for its rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile, distinguishing it from other Thai curries.

The key ingredients in Panang curry paste include dried red chili peppers, which contribute to its mild to medium spiciness, along with lemongrass, galangal, garlic, shallots, coriander roots, makrut lime zest, cumin seeds, peanuts, and shrimp paste.

The inclusion of ground peanuts in the paste gives Panang curry its signature nutty flavor and thicker consistency. Panang curry is typically prepared with meat, such as beef, chicken, or pork, and is less soupy than other Thai curries, served with a thicker sauce and often garnished with kaffir lime leaves and sliced red chilis.