Comforting Recipes

PAD KRAPOW GAI (THAI BASIL CHICKEN)

Steps:

• Heat a wok or large nonstick skillet over medium-high, then swirl in the oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground chicken and cook, actively breaking the chicken up into small pieces, until it is mostly cooked, about 6 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic, sugar and chile until evenly distributed and fragrant, about 2 minutes, then add the green beans, oyster sauce, fish sauce and Thai seasoning, and cook, stirring constantly, until the chicken is fully cooked, the green beans are crisp-tender and the krapow is glossy, about 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat, add the basil and a dash of white pepper and toss to combine. If the sauce seems to cling too tightly to the mixture, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to make it loose and glossy.
• Serve over rice, and top with a crispy fried egg, if desired. Serve with additional Thai seasoning to sprinkle on top, according to taste.

SHRIMP PASTA WITH CORN AND BASIL

Steps:

• Bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook pasta to al dente according to package instructions.
• As pasta cooks, put oil in a large skillet over medium. Add garlic. Cook gently without coloring, about 1 minute.
• Raise heat to medium-high and add shrimp. Season with salt, pepper and red-pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, until shrimp puff and turn pink, 1 to 2 minutes. Add corn and continue cooking until warmed through.
• Drain cooked pasta and transfer to a warm serving bowl. Pour skillet contents over pasta and toss. Sprinkle with scallions and chopped basil. Garnish with basil leaves.