Malaysian Curry Paste

2 tablespoons coriander seeds

1 tablespoon cumin seeds

1 tablespoon fennel seeds

5 dried red chiles -- such as piquins

and stems removed

2 tablespoons dried shredded coconut

1 teaspoon shrimp or prawn paste

1 1" piece fresh galangal -- (or ginger)

5 candlenuts --

cashews) -- chopped

1 2" piece ginger -- peeled and chopped

3 3" stalks lemongrass -- incl the bulbs, chop

1 teaspoon turmeric

3 garlic cloves -- peeled and chopped

1/2 small onion -- chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup to 1/2 cup water -- for blending