Home Samlar Machu Kreung – Cambodian Sour Stew
Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs - 1 lb
- Vegetable Oil - 1 tablespoon
- Water - 4 cups
- Tamarind Paste - 2 tablespoons
- Fish Sauce - 1 tablespoon
- Sugar - 1 tsp
- Pineapple Chunks - 1 cup
- Cherry Tomatoes - 1 cup
- Green Beans - 1 cup
- Lemongrass - 1 Stalk
- Kaffir Lime Leaves - 2
- Chilli - 1 sliced
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Instructions
- 1.
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 1 minute.
- 2.
- Add 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 3.
- Pour 4 cups water into the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- 4.
- Stir in 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp sugar until fully dissolved, about 1 minute.
- 5.
- Add 1 stalk lemongrass and 2 kaffir lime leaves to the pot, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the broth with flavor.
- 6.
- Tip: Bruising the lemongrass before adding helps release its essential oils for a more aromatic stew.
- 7.
- Add 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup green beans to the pot, stirring gently to combine.
- 8.
- Simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still crisp and the tomatoes start to soften.
- 9.
- Tip: Avoid overcooking the vegetables to maintain their vibrant color and texture in the final dish.
- 10.
- Stir in 1 Thai chili and simmer for an additional 2 minutes to incorporate the heat.
- 11.
- Tip: Taste the broth and adjust with extra tamarind paste or fish sauce if desired, but do so gradually to avoid overpowering the balance.
- 12.
- Remove the pot from heat and discard the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves before serving.
- 13.
- Present the stew hot in bowls, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro.