Ca-Ri Ga (Chicken Curry With Potatoes, Carrots and Peas)

This is a super delicious Vietnamese curry. Every time I make it, people are blown away! It is even more flavorful the next day.

• Ready In: 1 hr 45 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons  yellow curry powder
• 3  cloves garlic
• 1  tablespoon sugar
• 2  small shallots
• 2  tablespoons salt
• 1  tablespoon  chili paste (such as Sriracha)
• 5  tablespoons  peanut oil
• 1  tablespoon ground black pepper
• 2  lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 1⁄2 medium yellow onions, divided into 6 pieces and separated
• 2  stalks lemongrass, cut into 2 inch lengths
• 1  bay leaf
• 2  cups water
• 2 2⁄3 cups coconut milk
• 4  large carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 3  lbs  yams, peeled and sliced into 1 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 1⁄2 cups  frozen peas
• 1⁄4 cup cilantro leaf

Directions

1. In a food processor, combine curry powder, garlic, sugar, shallots, salt, chili paste, 1 tablespoon of the oil and black pepper. Lightly puree and pulse into a rough paste.
2. Rub the paste all over the chicken. Place in a bowl , cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.
3. In a large stockpot, heat the remaining oil over medium heat and cook the onion for 5 minutes. Add the bay leaf and lemongrass and cook for another few minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Add the chicken to the stockpot and sear for about 10-15 minutes, or until browned.
5. Turn the heat to high. Add the water, coconut milk, carrots and potatoes to the pot. Bring to a rolling boil and cook for 5 minutes, then reduce to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Test the carrots and potatoes for doneness before adding the peas. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes in a light simmer.
7. Serve hot over rice or with fresh, warm baguettes. Garnish with cilantro.