Pantry essentials for a Thai kitchen

Easy to make and closer to the Indian palate, Thai cuisine is closer to comfort food for Indians. The coconut-flavoured curries, the deliciously spicy soups,  and the stir-fried meat dishes make us crave for more. If you want to whip up a yummy Thai fare in your kitchen, here are some essentials you must be stocking.

Jasmine rice: Jasmine rice is one of the important pantry staples. This long grained rice with a nutty flavour is one of the easiest thing you can cook. It can be used for puddings, too. Jasmine rice pairs well with most of the curries.

Galangal: Galangal is a ginger rhizome. The flavour is very similar to ginger, but not the same. It adds a punch to your curries and soups.

Kaffir lime: Kaffir lime leaves and peels are used to add aroma to curries and pastes. Another prominent flavouring agent for curries and soups is lemon grass.

Coconut milk: Coconut milk forms an essential part in Thai cooking. Coconut milk can form the base of your chicken soup or shrimp curry. Have it in your pantry at all times to whip up a curry easily.

Palm sugar and tamarind: Tamarind paste is a good way to give your curry an acidic kick. It adds the tang, but isn't as sour as lime. Palm sugar is another staple to have in your pantry as it is used in salads and curries for a slightly sweet, but woody flavour.

Thai basil: Thai basil is a large flat version of regular basil and is used to flavour rice and stir-fried dishes. It is a great agent to add some sharp, bold flavour to your dish.

Thai bird's eye chilli: This potent chilli is a popular choice for meat dishes. The strong flavour hits your nose. Serrano and fresno chillies can be used as substitutes. Be careful to use little each time.

Fish sauce: It is used for flavouring in almost all Thai dishes. You should always have it in your pantry and make sure you pick a good brand that packs in a lot of flavour.

Shrimp paste: This salty, thick paste will last in your fridge for months together. It will add a whole new flavour to your Thai dishes, right from stir-fried dishes and curries to soups.