My cousin Julie learned this recipe when her sister, Abi, worked in Thailand. Julie throws in whatever vegetables she happens to have on hand, and the results are always outstanding. Instead of tofu, try substituting raw, peeled shrimp or scallops, chicken breasts, or fish fillets. Notice that this recipe does not call for water to hydrate the rice. The coconut milk provides enough liquid to cook the rice and make a wonderful curry sauce. It doesn’t seem to make any difference whether you use regular coconut milk or “lite.” Thai curry paste comes in yellow, red, and green—each works beautifully in this dish. Try the Mae Ploy brand found at Asian markets. Use more or less to taste; the amount here gives mild to medium heat.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 2
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 450°F.
Step 2
Spray the inside and lid of a cast-iron Dutch oven with canola oil.
Step 3
Rinse the rice in a strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. Pour the rice into the pot and smooth into an even layer.
Step 4
Arrange the tofu on top of the rice. Top with layers of the zucchini, bamboo shoots, and bell peppers.
Step 5
In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, curry paste, fish sauce, sugar, paprika, and lime juice. (Be aware that coconut milk separates into liquid and solids when stored; be sure to use the entire contents of the can.) Whisk until the curry paste and sugar are dissolved. Pour the mixture evenly over the contents of the pot.
Step 6
Cover and bake for 45 minutes, or until 3 minutes after the aroma of a fully cooked meal escapes the oven. Serve immediately.
nutrition information
Step 7
Calories: 786
Step 8
Protein: 17g
Step 9
Carbohydrates: 92g
Step 10
Fat: 41g
Step 11
Cholesterol: 1mg
Step 12
Sodium: 404mg
Step 13
Fiber: 7g
