This is one easy green curry to put together for a meal that is light tasting yet voluptuous with coconut milk and generous amounts of both lemon and lime zest to boost and complement the lovely green of the vegetables. I chose the vegetables based on produce prices this morning; other choices could include zucchini, peas, broccoli, other types of Chinese cabbage, and green beans. I’ve made this green curry with jasmine rice and it’s equally delicious, but rice noodles can simply be soaked in room temperature water for an hour or so before consuming and I realize that many people are experiencing hot weather that doesn’t exactly inspire additional sources of heat. Also, while on the subject of heat, if you prefer a spicier green curry add a minced green chili to the coconut milk with the stock and aromatics.

green curry:

1 400 mL can of coconut milk

2 Tbsp. green curry paste

2 Tbsp. fish sauce or soy sauce

1 tsp. sugar

1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger root

1 1/2 cups of vegetable stock

Zest of one lime and one lemon

1 medium-sized bunch of asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 bunch of scallions, the whites and the greens cut into 1-inch pieces

6 bunches of baby bok choy

The juice of 1-2 limes

Cilantro, roughly torn for garnish

Rice noodles, cooked according to package directions and rinsed under cold water

1. In a medium-sized saucepan whisk together a small amount of the coconut milk with the curry paste over medium-high heat; allow to boil gently for a few minutes before adding the rest of the coconut milk.

2. Add the fish oil, vegetable stock, ginger root, sugar, lemon and lime zest to the coconut milk and curry paste mixture and bring to a slow boil for 3-5 minutes. Stir in the asparagus, scallions, and bok choy and cook for 3-4 minutes – they really should remain slightly crispy when being served.

3. Stir in the lime juice and serve over rice noodles with a generous garnish of cilantro.

The American Analog Set has been a constant for me throughout the end of high school and my entire university career. I have the strongest memories of walking around in the rain on campus, looking at the autumn-orange trees against the black dome of my umbrella, feeling slightly more secure in surroundings that often left me feeling invisible. I think of this music as comforting and constant and somewhat sexy, every time I put it on I remember something about why I love it and why it’s important. Tonight I was cooking and I wanted the little pieces of belonging that have always come from the music that I grew into my own self with.

American Analog Set – Gone to Earth