Best Kaffir Coconut Stew Recipes

THAI FISH CURRY

Steps:

• Cut the fish into large 2-inch chunks, pat dry and place in a bowl. Season with salt, lime zest from one lime and 1 tablespoon lime juice, and massage lightly to coat. Set aside.
• In an extra-large saute pan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and saute until golden, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, lemongrass and fresh chilies. Saute 3-4 more minutes, until fragrant. Turn heat to low. Grate the ginger and turmeric and add the Thai Curry paste if using, saute 1 minute. Add the chicken stock, kaffir lime leaves , salt, carrots and bell pepper. Cover, bring to a simmer and simmer gently for 5 minutes until the carrots are tender.
• Once tender, stir in the coconut milk and fish sauce, and a generous squeeze of lime juice- start with half a lime, add more to taste.
• Taste it- coconut broth should be salty, lime-y and a little spicy- and adjust to your taste. Add more fish sauce, Thai Curry paste, garlic chili paste, be bold here -keeping in mind all the flavors will mellow out with the addition of the fish, veggies and with it being served over rice.
• Nestle in the fish, and quick cooking veggies. Simmer gently over medium low heat, spooning the coconut broth over the top, or turning the fish over after the bottom half is cooked and becomes opaque, about 3 -4 minutes. You can also place this in a warm 350F oven to fish cooking.
• Garnish with basil or Thai basil, or cilantro and lime wedges.
• Serve over rice or cauliflower rice.

SPICY HAWAIIAN FISH STEW WITH CREAMY 'POI'

Steps:

• Season the fish with salt and pepper. In a stockpot coated with oil, sear the fish. Add the habaneros, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, thyme, bay leaves, and kaffir leaves. Cover with water, check for seasoning and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 1 hour.
• Squeeze in lime juice and gai choy right before serving. Check for seasoning. To make the poi, heat the cream with the garlic and ginger and reduce by 20 percent. Add the hot taro and mash together smooth. Season and check for flavor.
• Place a mound of poi in the middle of a large pasta bowl. Top off with lots of the fish stew. Garnish with scallions.
• Beverage: Lillikoi Hawaiian Beer.

COCONUT LIME CHICKEN STEW

Steps:

• For the chicken: In a large bowl, stir together the lime juice, orange juice, cilantro, garlic and chile peppers along with a pinch of salt and some pepper (you are basically making a ceviche mixture). Add the chicken and stir together. Cover and refrigerate.
• For the stew: Bring a pot of water to a simmer and add salt. Simmer the potatoes until tender, 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• In a 6- to 8-quart stainless steel pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the onions, mushrooms, carrots and scallions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and browning slightly. Add 2 1/2 cups chicken stock, the lime juice and the potatoes and bring to a boil. Boil vigorously 5 minutes, then lower to a simmer and add the chicken ceviche mixture, the tomatoes, coconut milk, brown sugar, curry powder and the remaining 2 1/2 cups chicken stock. Bring to a simmer and cook over medium-low, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed. You may add more brown sugar, 1 teaspoon at a time, to deepen the flavor or knock down any acidity, but don't go too far!
• Serve with chips and cilantro.