Name: Pork Belly Skewers
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 3 days (includes brining and pressing)
Yield: Makes about 60 skewers
Ingredients: 4 teaspoons coriander seeds, toasted; 2 teaspoons fennel seeds, toasted; 1 gallon water; 1 1/3 cups kosher salt; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 3 (4-to 5-inch) fresh red chiles, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon black peppercorns; 2 shallots, sliced; 3 garlic cloves, smashed; 3/4 cup daun salam (Indonesian bay leaves; 3/4 ounce); 3 pounds pork belly, skin discarded; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 medium onion, cut into 6 wedges; 1 head garlic, left unpeeled and halved crosswise; 2 shallots, halved lengthwise; 2 cups chicken stock or reduced-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce; 1 cup grated palm sugar (8 ounces); 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 5 tablespoons rice vinegar (not seasoned); 6 tablespoons chopped cilantro stems; 7 (4-to 5-inch) fresh red chiles, chopped, including seeds; 12 garlic cloves, chopped (about 6 tablespoons); Equipment: about 60 (8-inch) wooden skewers, soaked in water 1 hour

A candylike sweetness and a crunchy exterior transform these skewers into adult lollipops. Zak Pelaccio, who brings Southeast Asian street food to a restaurant setting at Fatty Crab, explains that the recipe, despite the fact that it takes a long time, is actually quite easy. "You cook it in advance, then you just crisp it, and you know it's going to be good."

Cooks' notes:

•Braised and pressed pork belly can be chilled up to 5 days (remove weights after 1 day).
•Chile sauce can be made 3 days ahead and chilled.
•Pork belly can be grilled in an oiled grill pan over medium heat.◊

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

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

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

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

Béchamel Sauce

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

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.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

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.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.