Not only can there be a problem in buying either of these, there also seems to be some confusion about how they are used in Thai … amzn_assoc_design = "text_links"; As time goes by, you may stop seeing the leaves being called kaffir. I often receive emails asking the above question, or notice people searching on the website for these items. Lime juice is a good substitute in Thai curry paste (via Greedy Gourmet ). Yellow curry paste is the simplest of the three, employing only lemongrass and shrimp paste. Other names are: The “kaffir” (or kieffer) name is thought to have originated hundreds of years ago. Recommendation: Fresh Kaffir Lime Leaves – TastePadThai. We suggested earlier on in this rundown that lime juice can be used in unison with bay leaves to replicate kaffir lime leaves, but their usefulness doesn’t end there! kaffir lime leaves. Red curry paste uses lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime, cilantro roots, and shrimp paste. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; These are very hard to find outside Thailand. Fresh leaves, as well, may sometimes be available. Of course, kaffir lime is not the only citrusy flavor Thais use in curries and other dishes. If you … It is often sold in supermarkets and Asian grocers sell it as a staple item. You can use your favourite brand or any red curry paste available at your local stores. Although coming from different parts of a plant, lime zest and lime leaves are … Serve this thick & creamy Thai Pumpkin Curry with steamed Fragrant Rice. Simply cut the limes in half and add them to dishes like tom yum soup and remove them before serving. Any of these options can give dishes the right flavor so they are just as delicious as if they had actually contained kaffir lime leaves. See full disclosure. Curry leaves come from the sweet neem tree and can provide some of the citrus notes that you want from kaffir lime leaves; however, they are different from the lime leaves in that they should not be eaten. Why Do We Say a Fifth of Whiskey, Rum, or Vodka? Kaffir lime leaves come from the makrut (makrud, magroot) lime plant, a shrub that is common in Southeast Asia. 3. Use half of a small bay leaf, combined with a 1/4 teaspoon each of lime zest and lemon thyme. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; Many Thai recipes call for the kaffir lime leaves. Another option is to use the zest of the limes as your kaffir lime leaf substitute. Lastly, making lime juice is very easy but it can also be found in shops or supermarkets. They are especially useful in Thai curries and are also found in stir fries. Lemon Zest. Lemongrass makes a good substitute for kaffir lime leaves. When you serve a dish where whole Kaffir lime leaves have been used (like in soups), politely inform your guests that the leaves have been used merely for flavoring purposes (just like bay leaves usually are). By using zest, you can give your dish much of the acidity and lime intensity that you would get from kaffir lime leaves. Their amazing floral notes will complement well all of your Asian dishes that only require curry leaves. As mentioned above, you can usually find dried or frozen kaffir lime leaves in Thai specialty markets or other Asian markets. Cooking with Kaffir lime is an integral part of Asian cuisine. It contains a citrusy note similar to kaffir lime leaves. Unlike typical lime trees, this tree has an edible leaf that is not bitter. Add the curry paste to the pan and cook about 3 minutes, stirring to dissolve the paste into the coconut milk. Another option is lime juice, though it is more limited in its application. Fresh makrut leaves are best, but frozen are probably second best. Is it OK to Eat Expired Canned Foods? With its nice unique flavor and aroma, there is no real substitute though. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "cul02d-20"; This is one of the easily available items on this list. Lime Juice. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Ordering fresh kaffir lime leaves online can be hit or miss but most reviewers are reporting good experiences with these Fresh Kaffir Lime Leaves from TastePadThai. Aluminum Foil: Should the Shiny Side be Up or Down When Cooking? Lemongrass is also an important ingredient which is often ground into curry pastes, used to flavor finished curries, or used in hot and sour soups, coconut soup, and other dishes. Any red curry paste can be used for this recipe so don't worry if you don't have access to a specialty store. 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