Green Curry with Shrimp and Thai Eggplant

A proper Thai green curry — fragrant coconut broth, fiery green chili paste, and the snap of Thai
basil — loaded with shrimp and Thai eggplant. Shrimp are invertebrates and therefore permitted on
all fasting days, making this one of the most satisfying fast-day meals you can cook. No
compromises here.

FASTING LEVEL: Fast With Oil (shrimp are permitted on all fasting days — they are invertebrates, not fish)

SERVINGS: 4
TIME: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS:
- 500 g raw shrimp (shell-on or peeled), deveined
- 200 g Thai eggplant (round green), quartered, or regular eggplant, cubed
- 400 ml coconut milk (full fat)
- 200 ml coconut cream (or the thick top layer of a second can)
- 3 tablespoons green curry paste
- 150 g bamboo shoots, drained
- 6 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 long red chilies, sliced diagonally
- Large handful of Thai basil leaves
- Jasmine rice, for serving

METHOD:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large pot over medium-high heat. Add coconut cream and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until it splits and the oil separates.
2. Add green curry paste and fry in the coconut oil for 1-2 minutes until intensely fragrant.
3. Add Thai eggplant and bamboo shoots. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in coconut milk. Add kaffir lime leaves, soy sauce, and palm sugar. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Add shrimp. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are pink and curled.
6. Taste and adjust: more sugar for sweetness, more soy for salt, more curry paste for heat.
7. Remove from heat. Stir in Thai basil and sliced chilies. Serve immediately over jasmine rice.

NOTES:
- Splitting the coconut cream first is a crucial Thai technique — it creates a richer, more complex curry.
- Shrimp cook fast. Add them last and do not overcook, or they become rubbery.
- Thai eggplant has a slightly bitter crunch that is traditional. If unavailable, regular eggplant cubed small works.
- Shrimp provide about 24 g protein per 100 g — this is a high-protein fasting meal.

NUTRITION (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 28 g | Carbohydrates: 14 g | Fat: 30 g | Fibre: 3 g