Name: Thai Red Curry Paste
Yield: Makes about 1 cup
Ingredients: 17 to 20 (2- to 3-inch-long) prik haeng (dried hot red chiles), halved and seeds discarded; 4 teaspoons coriander seeds; 2 fresh lemongrass stalks, 1 or 2 outer leaves discarded (or use reserved bottoms from iced lemongrass tea, page 160); 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns; 4 teaspoons finely chopped peeled fresh or thawed frozen greater galangal (sometimes called kha); 6 (4-inch-long) fresh or frozen Kaffir lime leaves (sometimes called bai makroot), finely chopped; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro roots or stems; 5 small shallots, chopped (6 tablespoons); 1/4 cup chopped garlic; 15 to 20 (1-inch-long) red prik kii noo (fresh bird's-eye chiles) or serrano chiles, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons ga-pi (Thai shrimp paste); 1/2 teaspoon salt; a large (2-cup) mortar and pestle (preferably granite) or a mini food processor

If you're short on time, you can substitute bottled red curry paste (we recommend Mae Ploy brand) for homemade, but the flavor will not be as nuanced. There will be some curry paste left over after making the jungle curry and steamed catfish. Simply stir the remainder together with unsweetened coconut milk to give chicken, shrimp, or mussels a Thai spin.

Active time: 1 1/2 hr Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

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

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.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

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

Béchamel Sauce

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

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.