#authentic

Authentic Thai green curry paste using mortar and pestle. Ingredients: 10 green chilies, 2 stalks lemongrass, galangal, shallots, garlic, cilantro roots, coriander seeds, cumin, kaffir lime zest, shrimp paste. Technique: 1. Toast dry spices first. 2. Pound chilies with salt. 3. Add aromatics one at a time in order of hardness. 4. Grind to fine paste (15-20 minutes). 5. Bloom paste in coconut cream. Balance spicy-salty-sweet-sour flavors. Store in fridge or freeze portions.

Authentic Italian tomato sauce (Sugo al Pomodoro). Ingredients: 28oz can San Marzano DOP tomatoes, 5 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil. Method: 1. Crush tomatoes by hand. 2. Sauté whole garlic in olive oil until golden. 3. Remove garlic, add tomatoes carefully (splatters). 4. Simmer 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 5. Season with salt, add fresh basil at end. Result: bright, fresh flavor with proper acidity balance. Explain why San Marzano and volcanic soil matter.