Guri Pak (Thai Curry Puffs)

I just made these today for lunch and I am happy to say that my 17 month old tucked into them with vigour! These little Thai curry puff parcels get more addictive every time I make them. They are very easy to assemble and make a great entree to any South East Asia meal. These are the Thai equivalent to the Indian Samosa, Cornish Pasties, British Sausage Rolls, and Spanish Empandas. Serve with Sweet Chillie Dipping Sauce. Here's how to make Thai curry puffs.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
2 teaspoons coriander root, finely chopped
2 spring onions, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed and finely chopped
100 grams beef mince (minced twice)
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons fish sauce (substitute with soya sauce if vegetarian)
1 tablespoon water
1 medium sized potato, finely diced
2 sheets puff pastry
1 egg, lightly beaten
Vegetable oil for deep frying

Method

• In a wok heat the peanut oil and add the coriander root, onion, garlic and minced beef, stirring until beef is no longer pink.
• Add turmeric, cumin and ground coriander, stir frying until it becomes fragrant.
• Add fish sauce and water and simmer, uncovered, until the mixture thickens.
• Evenly mix in mashed potato.
• Lightly dust work top with flour and cut four circles from pastry, approximately 10 cm diameter.
• Place a teaspoon of the mixture onto the centre of pastry and brush lightly around the edge of the pastry with the beaten egg.
• Fold pastry over to encase the filling and seal edges.
• Heat oil in a saucepan and deep fry curry puffs in batches until crisp and golden.
• Drain on kitchen paper and serve with sweet chilies dip.

...Sweet Chillie Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

12 fresh small red chillies, roughly chopped
8 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
2 cups white vinegar
1 cup caster sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons tamarind paste

Method

• Combine all ingredients into a saucepan and stir, without boiling, until sugar is dissolved.
• Simmer, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes and slightly thickened.