Red or Green Thai Curry

                                                  
                                                                             
2 T red or green curry paste (use more for hotter curry; Mae Ploy brand                                                                            
   is excellent; if you want vegan, watch out for shrimp paste as an         
   ingredient in most brands; Curry paste is available in "packets" about    
   the same size as you've seen for chili, taco, or meatloaf seasoning       
   mixes, in small cans, and -- my favorite -- in large plastic tubs;        
   the stuff will store in your refrigerator indefinitely.)                  
3 T vegetable oil                                   
3/4 lb boneless chicken meat, cut into 3/4-inch pieces OR                      
   1 c tofu, sliced into strips about 1/4-inch thick and 1 to 2 inches
   long (if using tofu, try to get the "seasoned" tofu available in the
   refrigerated unit at the Asian market; it is soy-sauce colored)
2 cans (unsweetened) coconut milk (approx. 3 c in all)
1 c water or chicken broth
1/2 c baby corns
1/2 c straw mushrooms (or substitute other mushroom of your choice)
1/2 c sliced bamboo shoots
5 kaffir lime leaves (dried are fine; these are available in packages
   on the bottom -- usually dusty -- shelf of the Asian market; they
   look like dried, curled-up leaves)
1/2 t salt (more or less to taste)
if green curry, 10 fresh basil leaves
if red curry, 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into matchstick-size strips

Fry curry paste in oil in saucepan until fragrant.  Add chicken (if
using) and saute for about 1 minute over medium high heat.  Add
remaining ingredients except basil leaves or red bell pepper.  Bring
just barely to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 20-30 minutes.  Just
before serving, stir in basil leaves or red bell pepper.  Serve with
cooked Thai Jasmine rice (also available at the Asian market -- ask if
they have a smaller amount if you don't want to buy a 20-lb bag; they
will often make one up for you).