Name: Chicken in Spicy Coconut Sauce
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 hr
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 3 pound chicken drumsticks and thighs; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 rounded tablespoons tamarind from a pliable block; 1/2 cup hot water; 1 cup chopped shallots (4 large); 10 (5 1/2-inch) fresh Holland red chiles, sliced crosswise (1 cup), including seeds; 1 tablespoon chopped peeled fresh ginger; 2 teaspoons chopped peeled turmeric (fresh or thawed frozen) or 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 2 fresh lemongrass stalks, 1 or 2 outer leaves and all but lower 6 inches discarded; 6 cups well-stirred canned unsweetened coconut milk (48 fl oz; not low-fat); 1 (1-inch) piece galangal (fresh or thawed frozen), sliced crosswise; 2 teaspoons packed dark palm sugar or dark brown sugar

Image may contain Plant Food Produce Dessert and Cake

Chicken in Spicy Coconut SauceMikkel Vang

If you like curries, you'll love this recipe. The sauce is rich with coconut flavor and redolent with spice. Don't be alarmed by the number of red chiles — these are mild.

Cooks' note:

Chicken can be made 2 days ahead and cooled completely in sauce, uncovered, then chilled, covered. Reheat over moderately low heat.

Recipe notes

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

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

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

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

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

White Bean Turkey Chili

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

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Béchamel Sauce

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