Massaman curry paste

Ingredients:

• 2 fresh lemongrass stalk
• 12 small dried red chili peppers, seeded
• 1 piece chopped fresh galangal root or 4 slices dried
• 2 chopped red onions
• 12 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 1 tbsp. cardamom seeds
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 1/2 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg husk (maces or mace)
• 1 tsp. grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon shrimp paste
• 4 bay leaves

Preparation:

1. Remove and discard the outer leaves and top half of the lemongrass stems and cut the bottom half into 2.5cm pieces. Soak all dried ingredients for 30 minutes until softened.
   
   Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add a little water to loosen the paste if needed.