Ingredients

1 tsp. coriander seeds

½ tsp. cumin seeds

10 whole white peppercorns

2 whole green cardamom pods, crushed and seeds removed

2 tbsp. roughly chopped cilantro

2 tsp. ground turmeric

½ tsp. Thai shrimp paste

¼ tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

8 green Thai chilies, stemmed (original recipe called for 20)

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

2 Kaffir lime leaves, stemmed and thinly sliced

1 Serrano, stemmed and seeded

1 small shallot, thinly sliced

1 2"-piece lemongrass, peeled and thinly sliced

1 1 ½"-piece ginger, peeled and thinly sliced crosswise

Juice and zest of 1 lime

Kosher salt, to taste

2 cups canned coconut milk

2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1" pieces

1 cup chicken stock

2 tbsp. fish sauce

1 tbsp. sugar

Small basil leaves and thinly sliced red Thai chilies, for serving

Cooked white rice, for serving

Preparation

  1. Heat coriander, cumin, peppercorns, and cardamom seeds in a 10" skillet over medium-high heat, and cook until seeds begin to pop and are toasted and fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer to a food processor along with cilantro, turmeric, shrimp paste, nutmeg, chilies, garlic, lime leaves, Serrano, shallot, lemongrass, ginger, lime zest, juice, and 2 tbsp. water; puree until smooth. Season with salt, and set curry paste aside.

  2. Combine curry paste in a 4-qt. saucepan, and heat over medium-high heat; cook, stirring for 3 minutes, then add coconut milk until oil begins to separate from the milk, about 12 minutes. Add chicken, and cook, stirring, until cooked through, about 15 minutes. Add stock, fish sauce, and sugar, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and ladle chicken and sauce into serving bowls. Garnish with basil and sliced chilies, and serve with rice.