Chicken Khao Soi

This dish is a deviation from the raw vegan posts I've been posting lately but it has great ingredients and is great for you and oh so tasty. I love that the curry paste is made fresh and from scratch rather than using the store-bought stuff. I happened to pick up an issue of Bón Apétit in March while I was in line at the grocery store. I had to try this recipe along with a pizza recipe I found, and both turned out amazing! Pizza dough recipe to come! (One has to live a little and mix it up...) This recipe is modified from the original by Ravin Nakjaroen. 

Serves 6-8

Khao Soi Paste:

4 dried New Mexico or guajillo chiles, stemmed, halved and seeded (I use 16 piñón chiles)

2 medium shallots (onion can be substituted)

8 garlic cloves

2" piece of ginger, peeled and sliced

1/4c. cilantro

1T. ground coriander

2 scant T. curry powder

Soup:

2T. olive oil

2 14-oz cans unsweetened coconut milk

2c. chicken broth

1 1/2lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs, halved lengthwise (we often use leftover chicken breasts and shred them)

5T+ fish sauce

1T. honey, palm sugar, brown sugar, etc.

Noodles (rice or mung bean), quinoa or rice

Garnish:

Sliced red onion

Bean sprouts

Cilantro sprigs

Other: chili oil, crispy onions, lime wedges...

Khao Soi Paste Preparation:

Boil chiles in water and let soak after boiling for about 30 minutes.
Drain chiles and reserve soaking liquid.
Purée chiles, shallots, garlic, ginger, cilantro, coriander, curry and 2T. soaking liquid in blender or food processor. If needed add more soaking liquid. Blend until smooth.

Soup Preparation:
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add Khao Soi paste, stirring constantly for about 4-6 minutes until slightly darkened.
Add coconut milk and chicken broth.
Bring broth to a boil, add chicken if not using leftovers.
Boil chicken for about 20-25 minutes, until tender.
Transfer chicken to a plate and let cool slightly.
Shred meat.
Cook noodles, quinoa or rice according to cooking directions.
Add chicken, fish sauce and honey to soup. Season to taste.
Add noodles, soup and toppings to bowls to serve.
Enjoy!