This deeply flavored dish is a beautiful example of southern thai cooking, which makes use of a broader array of spices and herbs than most thai curries. It's the vegetarian equivalent of massaman chicken and beef curry, which are hearty and robust with warm spices. Arab traders brought these fragrant spices, such as whole cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg, to thailand several centuries ago. You'll find the flavors so lovely, and the textures of the vegetables so satisfying, there is no need or desire for meat. And because there are beans in this dish, the combination of curry and rice makes for a complete protein with all the amino acids you need to be healthy and happy. Vegetable curries are becoming more popular in thailand now that vegan and vegetarian restaurants are springing up everywhere. It's a wonderful cuisine for veggie lovers.