Authentic Vietnamese Cà Ri Dê (Goat Curry) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 kg of goat meat, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons of curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon of chili powder
  • 400 ml of coconut milk
  • 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 medium-sized carrot, cut into chunks
  • 2 medium-sized potatoes, cut into chunks
  • Salt, to taste
  • Coriander leaves, for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger into the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
  3. Add the goat meat to the pot and cook until it is browned on all sides.
  4. Mix in the curry powder, turmeric powder, and chili powder. Stir well to ensure the meat is coated in the spices.
  5. Add the coconut milk, lemongrass stalks, and kaffir lime leaves to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
  7. Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  8. Season the curry with salt, to taste.
  9. Remove the lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves.
  10. Before serving, garnish the curry with coriander leaves.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - A pot large enough to hold all the ingredients and allow for stirring.
  • Vegetable knife - A sharp knife for chopping the onion, garlic, ginger, carrot, and potatoes.
  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for safely cutting the vegetables and meat.
  • Spatula - A utensil for stirring and sautéing the ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Utensils for accurately measuring the spices.
  • Grater - A tool for grating the fresh ginger.
  • Bruising tool - A utensil or mallet for bruising the lemongrass stalks.
  • Pot cover - A lid to cover the pot while cooking.
  • Kitchen timer - A timer to help keep track of cooking times.
  • Serving bowls - Bowls to serve the Cà Ri Dê.
  • Serving spoons - Utensils for portioning and serving the curry.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the goat meat with chicken, beef, or lamb for different flavors.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or eggplant for additional texture and flavors.
  • Use different curry pastes or blends instead of curry powder for a unique twist.
  • Add a spoonful of fish sauce or shrimp paste for an extra umami flavor.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with tofu or tempeh.
  • Experiment with different spices such as cumin, coriander, or cardamom to customize the flavor profile.
  • If you prefer a spicier curry, increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh chili peppers.
  • Include diced tomatoes or tomato paste for a tangy element.
  • For a creamier consistency, substitute part of the coconut milk with heavy cream or yogurt.
  • Garnish with chopped peanuts or fried onions for added texture and crunch.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a taste of Vietnamese cuisine with our flavorful Cà Ri Dê, or Goat Curry recipe. This hearty and warming dish is a combination of succulent pieces of goat meat and hearty vegetables, all simmered in a rich and spicy coconut milk curry. The infusion of lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves gives the curry its unique flavor profile, adding a refreshing citrus twist. Classic spices such as curry powder, turmeric, and chili bring the heat, making for a full-bodied dish. This dish requires some patience, as the meat needs to be slow-cooked to achieve optimal tenderness, but the end result is incredibly rewarding. Serve this satisfying curry with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal. Whether you're new to Vietnamese cooking or a seasoned expert, this Cà Ri Dê recipe is definitely worth trying.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
    Yes, you can substitute goat meat with other meats like chicken or beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
    Certainly! You can replace the goat meat with tofu or a variety of vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, and zucchini. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  3. Can I use store-bought curry powder?
    Yes, store-bought curry powder works well in this recipe. However, if you prefer, you can also make your own curry powder using a combination of ground spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric, and fenugreek.
  4. Is there a substitute for kaffir lime leaves?
    If you can't find kaffir lime leaves, you can substitute with lime zest. Use the zest of 1-2 limes to achieve a similar citrusy flavor.
  5. Can I adjust the level of spiciness?
    Absolutely! If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether. Similarly, if you like it spicier, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add some fresh chili peppers.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - For cooking the curry and accommodating the ingredients.
  • Vegetable peeler - To peel the ginger and carrot.
  • Knife - For cutting the goat meat, onion, garlic, ginger, carrot, and potatoes.
  • Cutting board - To provide a stable surface while cutting the ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon - For stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the curry powder, turmeric powder, and chili powder.
  • Can opener - If using canned coconut milk.
  • Tongs - For removing lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves from the curry.
  • Serving bowls - To serve the Cà Ri Dê.
  • Garnish spoon - For sprinkling coriander leaves on top of the curry as a garnish.

Origin stories

Cà Ri Dê, or Goat Curry, is a beloved dish in Vietnamese cuisine, often enjoyed during special occasions or gatherings. It's a harmonious blend of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that showcase the rich culinary culture of Vietnam. The goat meat used in the dish is believed to have medicinal properties, and it's especially popular in Ninh Bình, a province in northern Vietnam, where goat meat is a specialty. The use of spices like curry and turmeric is influenced by Indian and Malaysian cuisines, introduced to Vietnam through centuries of cultural exchange and trade routes. Due to the intricate blending of flavors and textures, Cà Ri Dê is a testament to Vietnam's culinary diversity, showing how international influences can be woven seamlessly into local traditions.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.