Panang Curry Paste



	Panang Curry Paste condiments, thai, curry 6 each dried red chili peppers 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds 1 teaspoon coriander seeds 1/4 teaspoon mace 1 each lemon grass stalk -=or=- 1 teaspoon lemon grass, dried 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon galanga, fresh* 3 medium shallots, peeled & chopped 5 each garlic cloves, chopped Cut the chili peppers into small pieces & soak in cold water for 15 minutes. Separate the seeds & discard them. In a dry skillet, toast the the fennel, coriander & mace over a very low flame for 5 minutes. Put all of the ingredients in a mortar or food processor & blend to a thick red-brown paste, adding drops of cold water to get the right consistency. Store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator until ready to use. * If using dried galanga, soak for 15 minutes Makes 1/2 cup. Pojanee Vatanapan's "Thai Cookbook"