Vegetarian Kaeng Lueang Dok Khae (Southern Thai Yellow Curry with Agasta Flowers)
Hua Hin Services offers a delicious Vegetarian Kaeng Lueang Dok Khae recipe, a vibrant Southern Thai Yellow Curry. This vegan-friendly dish is a highlight of Hua Hin's local flavors, with ingredients often from our own garden. For more recipes, visit our webpage.
A vibrant, aromatic Southern Thai yellow curry made with Dok Khae (Agasta flowers), tofu, and mushrooms in a fragrant coconut-turmeric broth. Naturally vegan-friendly and packed with bold flavors!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Curry Paste
- 5-7 dried red chilies (soaked & deseeded for less heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh turmeric (or 1 tsp ground turmeric)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3 shallots
- 1 stalk lemongrass (sliced, white part only)
- 1 tsp vegetarian shrimp paste (or 1 tbsp soy sauce)
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 1 thumb-sized galangal (or ginger)
Curry
- 2 cups coconut milk > Making coconut milk at home (divided)
- 1 cup Dok Khae (Agasta flowers), stems removed (or substitute young moringa leaves)
- 200g firm tofu (cubed & lightly fried)
- 1 cup straw mushrooms (or oyster mushrooms, sliced)
- 1 cup bamboo shoots (optional)
- 3-4 kaffir lime leaves (torn)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or vegan fish sauce)
- 1 tsp palm sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1-2 tbsp tamarind juice (or lime juice)
- 1 cup pumpkin or squash (cubed, for sweetness, optional)
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced red chili
- Fried shallots (optional)
Instructions
1. Make the Curry Paste
- Dry-toast coriander and cumin seeds until fragrant, then grind into powder.
- In a blender, combine all paste ingredients with 1-2 tbsp water. Blend until smooth.
2. Cook the Curry
- In a pot, heat ½ cup coconut milk until it splits (oil appears). Add curry paste and fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add remaining coconut milk + 1 cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and pumpkin (if using). Simmer 5-7 mins until veggies soften.
- Stir in Dok Khae, soy sauce, sugar, and tamarind. Adjust seasoning (should be salty-sweet-tangy).
- Add kaffir lime leaves and simmer 1 more minute.
3. Serve
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with cilantro, chili, and fried shallots.
- Best with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles!
Tips & Substitutes
🌿 No Dok Khae? Use:
- Moringa leaves
- Banana flower (thinly sliced)
- Green beans (for crunch)
🌶 Spice Level: Reduce chilies for mild heat, or add fresh bird’s eye chili at the end.
🥥 Creamier Curry: Use full-fat coconut milk and simmer longer.
💡 Make Ahead: Curry paste keeps 1 week refrigerated or 1 month frozen.
This vegan-friendly version keeps the soul of Southern Thai cooking—earthy, tangy, and just bitter enough from the Dok Khae. Perfect for a unique, plant-based meal!
Comments
Post a Comment