Thai Country-Style Curry With Ground Beef and Green Beans

hannahactually's Note:

From Quick&Easy Thai by Nancie McDermott. Use fresh everything (basil, etc.) for best results.

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic , coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• ½ lb ground beef or ½ lb ground pork
• 1 cup mushroom , sliced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup green beans , cut into 1-inch lengths
• 2 medium zucchini or 2 long Japanese eggplants , halved longwise and cut into 1-inch lengths
• 4 wild fresh lime leaves , cut into quarters (optional)
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• holy Thai basil , handful

Directions:

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat, add garlic, toss well. Add curry paste and cook, mashing and stirring to dissolve it, until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Crumble in ground beef and then add mushrooms. Cook, tossing often, until meat and mushrooms are browned and seasoned with curry paste, 2-3 minute.
3. Add chicken broth, green beans, zucchini, lime leaves (if using), fish sauce, sugar, and salt and bring to gentle boil. Cook 3-5 minutes, until veggies are tender and meat is cooked through. Stir in basil leaves and remove from heat. Transfer to serving dish & serve hot or warm.