Massaman Curry

There's a world of currries out there, and we are happy to try all of them! We often get requests for a Japanese-style curry, so we got approval to add this wonderful one from Lucky Peach Presents 101 Easy Asian Recipes. The book features a mouthwatering lineup of dishes, like this recipe for Massaman Curry features Indian Coriander Seed, Turmeric, Star Anise, and Cassia Stick Cinnamon alongside fresh ginger and lemongrass.

Ingredients

1 stalk lemongrass
2 tablespoons neutral or coconut oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1/4 cup red curry paste
1 teaspoon Indian Coriander Seed
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
3 whole Star Anise
2 kaffir lime leaves (optional, but very nice if you can find them)
1 Cassia Stick Cinnamon
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
2 cups water
1-1/2 pounds chicken thighs
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes
1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1-2 tablespoons lime juice
palm or brown sugar
cooked rice, for serving

Directions

Smash the lemongrass with the back of a knife at ½-inch intervals, then bend the stalk and tie it in a knot. This will help release the flavor of the lemongrass.

Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and sweat until aromatic and softened, about five minutes. Add the curry paste, coriander, and turmeric and stir to coat the vegetables in the paste.Once incorporated, toss in the star anise, lime leaves (if using), cinnamon and lemongrass. Stir in the coconut milk and water and bring to a simmer. Add the chicken and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Add the potatoes and peanuts and cook until tender, about 25 minutes longer.

Remove the star anise, cinnamon, lime leaves, and lemongrass and discard. At this point the curry may be cooled and refrigerated for up to 2 days. (Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching.)

Stir the fish sauce and lime juice into the curry, then adjust the seasoning with sugar and salt. Serve with rice.

Tags: Asian Chicken Cinnamon Sticks Coriander Curry Dinner Easy Potatoes Star Anise Turmeric Veggies