Step 1

Place the chillies in a heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water. Set aside for 10 minutes to soften. Drain. Use a small sharp knife to cut the chillies lengthways. Remove the seeds and discard. Coarsely chop the flesh.

Step 2

Blend the chilli, peanuts, galangal or ginger, lime leaves, shallot, coriander root, garlic, lemon grass, cumin, ground coriander and fish sauce in a blender until finely chopped.

Step 3

Add the oil and blend, scraping down the side of the blender occasionally, until a smooth paste forms.