The word Massaman means “Muslim” named after the Muslim traders who brought spices such as cinnamon, cumin, cloves, nutmeg and turmeric from India and the Middle East. This curry originated from southern Thailand and is one of my favorite curries to eat when the weather is chilly. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s commonly made with beef, potatoes and Indian spices.
You can easily substitute beef with lamb, pork, chicken or tofu. This curry is traditionally mild in terms of spiciness and not made with carrots; however, I love my curries spicy and I think the carrots add a subtle sweetness. Try the recipe with carrots first and then try it without and see if you can taste the difference. This curry will also be a little thicker than typical Thai curries. If you think the curry is too thick, just add a few tablespoons of water to thin it out.
