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

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

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.

London Fog Brownies

Yes, brownies can—and should—be made with white chocolate.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

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

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

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