006: COCONUT LEMONGRASS CURRY

🐅 Tiger Coconut Lemongrass Curry — The Golden Pulse Scroll

Archetype: The Tiger — silky fire, focused aroma, calm power in motion.

💡 Why This Works

Lemongrass + ginger light the nose; coconut milk softens the flame. A quick simmer builds fragrant depth in minutes—weeknight-easy, restaurant-bright.

⚡ Energy & Time

• Total: 20–25 min
• Effort: Low (RPE 3/10)
• Gear: Wide pot or deep skillet

🎭 Flavor & Mood

Golden, citrusy, gently spicy—like sunlight poured over the bowl.

🥣 What It Is

Quick lemongrass–coconut curry with chili, lime, veggies, and optional tofu—silky broth, bright finish.

🧾 Ingredients (serves 2–3)

• Aromatics: 1 tbsp neutral oil • 1 lemongrass stalk (outer leaves off, lower 4–5" bruised & minced) • 1 in (2.5 cm) ginger, grated • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Paste/Spice: 1–2 tsp red curry paste or 1 tsp chili paste + 1/2 tsp turmeric
• Body: 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) full-fat coconut milk • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water or stock • 1 tsp soy/tamari • 1 tsp brown sugar
• Veg: 2 cups mixed veg (bell pepper strips, snap peas, carrots, baby corn)
• Protein (optional): 8–10 oz (225–280 g) crispy tofu cubes
• Finish: 1 tbsp lime juice • lime zest (pinch) • handful basil/cilantro • salt to taste
• Serve with: Jasmine rice or rice noodles

✍️ Method

1. Sizzle aromatics: Warm oil over medium. Add lemongrass, ginger, garlic; stir 60–90 sec fragrant.
2. Bloom heat: Stir in curry/chili paste (and turmeric if using) 30 sec.
3. Simmer: Pour in coconut milk, water/stock, soy/tamari, sugar. Simmer 3–4 min.
4. Veg & tofu: Add vegetables (and tofu). Simmer 4–6 min until tender-crisp.
5. Brighten: Stir in lime juice + zest, herbs; salt to taste. Ladle over rice/noodles.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• Extra aroma: Add 3–4 kaffir lime leaves during simmer; remove before serving.
• Richer: Reduce 1–2 min longer for thicker, saucier curry.
• Milder: Use half the paste; add more at the end to taste.

📦 Storage

• Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently; add a splash of water and fresh lime to wake it up.

📜 Lore / Origin

The tiger rests in gold: citrus steam, gentle fire, green leaves. Strength made silky.

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Flavor Balance: 20/20
• Ease & Gadget Efficiency: 20/20
• Texture & Authenticity: 20/20
• Time & Cleanup: 20/20
• Mythic Resonance: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — Golden calm, bright heat.