The onion, garlic, ginger and chilli can be blended into a paste if you prefer.
To serve vegetarians, vegans or for a meat-free Monday dish, make the recipe but remember to omit the fish sauce.
Optional Additions:
12 halved cherry tomatoes
2 spring onions chopped
8 fresh curry leaves (not traditional and can be left out, I love the flavour it gives to the dish)
2 heads pak choi, quartered and steamed (optional)
a handful of roasted unsalted cashew nuts
I love adding chunks of tofu, aubergine, sweet potatoes, peppers, potato and courgettes. The flavour gets drawn into the root vegetables and aubergine.
Add the courgettes toward the end and they give the curry a lovely crunch.
Finished off with a handful of chopped coriander and cashew nuts for extra vitamins.
Chicken and any leftover roasted meat can be added to this recipes and it makes a delicious quick meal.