Kaeng khae facts for kids
Kaeng khae with chicken and yardlong beans in Chiang Rai city
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| Alternative names | Gaeng kae |
|---|---|
| Type | Curry |
| Place of origin | Thailand |
| Region or state | Southeast Asia |
| Associated national cuisine | Thailand |
| Created by | Northern Thai cuisine |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Vegetables, chicken, frog, fish or snails |
Kaeng khae (Thai: แกงแค) is a special kind of curry from northern Thai cuisine. It's known for being packed with fresh vegetables and herbs.
This unique curry gets its name from one of its main ingredients: the Piper sarmentosum leaves. In northern Thailand, these leaves are called phak khae. So, Kaeng khae literally means "curry with phak khae leaves"!
What is Kaeng Khae?
Kaeng khae is a flavorful and healthy dish that comes from the northern parts of Thailand. Unlike some other curries you might know, Kaeng khae is famous for using a lot of fresh, local vegetables and herbs. It's a bit less creamy than some Thai curries because it focuses more on the natural flavors of the plants.
What Goes Into Kaeng Khae?
The main ingredients in Kaeng khae are always a mix of different vegetables and herbs. Depending on the recipe or what's available, people might add chicken, frog, beef, dried fish, or even snails to the curry.
Here are some of the common ingredients you'll find in Kaeng khae:
- Piper sarmentosum leaves (the phak khae that gives the curry its name)
- Lao coriander
- cha-om (a type of acacia leaf)
- Acmella oleracea leaves (sometimes called "toothache plant" leaves)
- Dried flowers from the Bombax ceiba tree
- Sesbania grandiflora flowers
- Ivy gourds
- Small eggplants
- Fresh bamboo shoots
- Pea eggplants
- Fresh chilies (for a bit of spice!)
- Different kinds of mushrooms
Khua Khae: A Similar Dish
There's another dish called Khua khae that is very similar to Kaeng khae. The main difference is that Khua khae has less liquid. It's more like a stir-fry or a thicker curry, while Kaeng khae is more soupy. Both dishes share many of the same delicious ingredients.
