Panang curry (พะแนง) is a type of Thai curry that is generally milder than other Thai curries, making it a very popular choice for people who don't normally like spicy foods. This recipe is pork panang, which is thin sliced pork tenderloin in a curry and coconut sauce with pea eggplants, basil, and mild chilies. It contains thick coconut milk and has very little other liquids added. For this reason, Panang curry is often referred to as dry curry, meaning that it is not a soup like some other curries. The dish can also be made with beef. For vegetarians, tofu can be used in place of meat.

Panang is most often prepared with just the meat and curry sauce, served over rice, making it a rather plain looking dish. We really like this version uploaded by Khun Worawut. It's packed with pea eggplant, mild chilies, and basil, making it a delicious bowl of "stew" that can be enjoyed the traditional way or eaten directly from the bowl with a spoon.