Beef and Zucchini in Red Curry Sauce

Thais cook beef, pork, and crisp-fried freshwater fish in this rustic style. Untamed by the velvet cushioning of coconut milk, curry paste reveals its wild side here—a fascinating and welcome presence, provided you offer abundant plain rice to maintain order. Red curry paste and holy basil are classic in paht peht, but you can use any Thai curry paste and any variety of fresh basil or mint. A flourish of fresh cilantro or a handful of chopped green onions will work as well. I love the cut o