Braised Duck or Chicken with Fresh Curry Paste

Name: Braised Duck or Chicken with Fresh Curry Paste
Yield: makes 4 servings
Ingredients: One 3-pound duck or chicken, cut into serving pieces, or 3 pounds duck legs or chicken thighs; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon dried shrimp, nam pla, or soy sauce; 2 small fresh or dried red chiles or cayenne to taste; 1 medium onion, peeled and cut into chunks; 4 large garlic cloves, peeled; One 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 1/2 cups coconut milk, homemade (page 584) or canned; 2 limes; 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro or basil leaves

December 14, 2011

A basic Thai-style curry, most often made with a convenient canned product from Thailand called “curry paste.” Here I make my own version, for a fresher taste. The technique is simple: First you brown the main ingredient; I use poultry here, but it can be meat, seafood, vegetables, or tofu, and the process would barely change. Then you cook the curry paste, loosening it with some liquid (typically coconut milk), and finish the dish by simmering. Straightforward and authentic. Serve with Basic Short-Grain Rice (page 507) or steamed Sticky Rice (page 508). See page 9 for information on dried shrimp and page 500 for details on Thai fish sauce (nam pla).

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.