Name: Vegetable and Chicken Curry
Cook time: 1 1/4 hr
Total time: 1 3/4 hr
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 large stalks lemongrass; 4 large garlic cloves, coarsely chopped; 1 (3- to 4-inch) dried hot red chile, seeds removed and chile crumbled; 1 (1/2-inch) piece fresh or frozen turmeric (thawed if frozen), peeled; 2 1/2 cups plus 4 to 5 tablespoons water; 6 whole star anise; 1 (13 1/2- to 14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk; 1/4 cup unsalted roasted peanuts; 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste (preferably Mae Ploy brand); 1 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces; 1/4 cup Asian fish sauce (preferably 3 Crab brand); 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter; 2 1/2 cups 1-inch pieces peeled and seeded buttercup squash (from a 1 1/2-lb piece of squash); 2 cups 1-inch pieces peeled sweet potato (1 pound); 2 cups chopped sweet onion (1 pound); 1 1/2 cups chopped red bell pepper (1 1/2 medium); 1 1/2 cups chopped green bell pepper (1 1/2 medium); 1 1/2 cups 1-inch pieces peeled yellow-fleshed potato such as Yukon Gold (3/4 pound); 1 1/2 cups 1-inch pieces carrot (6 medium); 1 1/2 cups trimmed and halved green beans (6 ounces); Accompaniments: jasmine rice and sliced warm French bread

This Cambodian curry is traditionally made with beef, but Mao Sokhen says his American friends prefer the chicken variation. Though you can use any brand of Thai red curry paste and Asian fish sauce for this recipe, Mao likes the brands recommended below because he finds they produce a dish that is closer to classic Cambodian flavor.

Cooks' note:

·Curry can be made 1 day ahead, cooled, uncovered, then chilled, covered.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Apple-Walnut Charoset

A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.

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.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Béchamel Sauce

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

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.