The Goldilocks of curry sauces, Thai red curry has a deeper, bolder flavor than yellow curry but less of a spicy kick than green curry. Roasted red bell peppers give it an enticing orange hue while a medley of irresistible spices—including cumin and coriander—meld together into a mind-blowingly-good sauce. Fragrant lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, and galangal (Thai ginger) bring in notes of citrus that pair perfectly with a touch of creamy peanut butter. Not sure how to use this versatile sauce? Simmer veggies in it and spoon everything over a bed of rice, or use it to create a saucy noodle bowl to satisfy all your comfort food cravings.

Tip: If you can’t find kaffir lime leaves, substitute the same amount of fresh lime zest. No fresh galangal? Substitute the same amount of grated fresh ginger.

For more homemade sauce, check out these tasty ideas:

By Darshana Thacker Wendel,

Ingredients

  • 1 cup jarred roasted red bell peppers
  • ¼ of a medium yellow onion, cut into large pieces
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • 12 small cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 5 dried chiles de árbol or other dried red chiles, seeds removed
  • 3 tablespoons pure cane sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon ground lemongrass
  • ½ teaspoon ground galangal
  • ½ teaspoon ground kaffir lime leaf
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter

Instructions

  • In a food processor or blender combine all ingredients except peanut butter; add 1 cup water. Process until uniformly blended.
  • Transfer mixture to a small saucepan. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in peanut butter; cook 1 minute more. Let cool to room temperature. To Store: Refrigerate in a glass jar up to 1 week. Or freeze in a freezer-safe container up to 2 months.

Comments (6)

(5 from 1 vote)

Recipe Rating

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diane

This was definitely tasty but the watery nature of it makes me think more towards a dressing or topping for a cold dish... rather than a 'sauce'. Is the ingredient list complete? I might mix in some cannellini or garbanzo beans next time to thicken it up some.

LC

Are there really 12 cloves of garlic in this recipe??

Irene Tammaro

Why add cane sugar?

Courtney Davison

Hi Irene, While we definitely recommend using cane sugar very sparingly, there are instances in which using a little bit can make a big difference in the flavor of a sauce or dessert, and Chef Darshana Thacker Wendel, who is a huge proponent of WFPB eating, sometimes feels it's appropriate. This also applies to all-purpose flour. Learn more about what FOK recommends for a WFPB pantry here: https://www.forksoverknives.com/how-tos/give-your-kitchen-pantry-a-healthy-plant-based-makeover/ Thank you, Courtney, editor, Forks Over Knives

Karen Hansberger

How many ounces is the jar of peppers?

Jen

1 cup equals 8 ounces

About the Author

Headshot of Darshana Thacker

About the Author

Darshana Thacker Wendel

Darshana Thacker Wendel is a whole-food, plant-based chef and former culinary projects manager for Forks Over Knives. A graduate of the Natural Gourmet Institute, she is the author of Forks Over Knives: Flavor! She created the recipes for Forks Over Knives Family and was a lead recipe contributor to the New York Times bestseller The Forks Over Knives Plan. Her recipes have been published in The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook, Forks Over Knives—The Cookbook, Forks Over Knives: The Plant-Based Way to Health, and LA Yoga magazine online. Visit DarshanasKitchen.com and follow her on Instagram for more.
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