How To Make Kreung - Cambodian Curry Paste (គ្រឹង ខ្មែរ)

Khmer Krueng

Ingredients (គ្រឿងផ្សំ)

  • Lemongrass (ស្លឹកគ្រៃ) – 3 sticks (ដំបង)
  • Garlic (ខ្ទឹម) x 3 cloves
  • Galangal (រំដេង) – 50g
  • Turmeric (រមៀត) – 50g
  • Red Chilli (ម្ទេសក្រហម) – optional

This is one of the most important parts of Cambodian cooking, and is a very simple process. The ‘Kreung’ (or ‘kroeung’) curry paste is used as the base for many Cambodian curries, stir fries and other dishes. The flavours and balance of tastes are uniquely Cambodian and are what sets us apart from other South East Asian food cultures. Note that i’ve made a very basic kreung here, but sometimes other ingredients like shallots, kaffir lime leaves and chilies are added

  1. Chop lemongrass, turmeric, galangal
  2. Grind in pestle and mortar
  3. Add garlic and continue to grind (Chilli can be added too)
  4. This is your kreung, ready to make many Khmer dishes.