Chicken Khao Soi

Ingredients

• 4 large dried New Mexico or guajillo chiles, stemmed, halved, seeded
• 2 medium shallots, halved
• 8 garlic cloves
• 1 2" piece ginger, peeled, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro stems
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 14-ounce cans unsweetened coconut milk
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, halved lengthwise
• 1 pound Chinese egg noodles
• 3 tablespoons (or more) fish sauce (such as nam pla or nuoc nam)
• 1 tablespoon (packed) palm sugar or light brown sugar
• Kosher salt
• Sliced red onion, bean sprouts, cilantro sprigs, crispy fried onions or shallots, chili oil, and lime wedges (for serving)
• Ingredient info: Dried chiles are available at Latin markets; Chinese egg noodles and chili oil are available at Asian markets. All can be found at many supermarkets.

Method

1. 01Place chiles in a small heatproof bowl, add boiling water to cover, and let soak until softened, 25-30 minutes.
2. 02Drain chiles, reserving soaking liquid. Purée chiles, shallots, garlic, ginger, cilantro stems, coriander, turmeric, curry powder, and 2 tablespoons soaking liquid in a food processor, adding more soaking liquid by tablespoonfuls, if needed, until smooth.
3. 03Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add khao soi paste; cook, stirring constantly, until slightly darkened, 4-6 minutes. Add coconut milk and broth. Bring to a boil; add chicken. Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is fork-tender, 20-25 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate. Let cool slightly; shred meat.
4. 04Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions.
5. 05Add chicken, 3 tablespoons fish sauce, and sugar to soup. Season with salt or more fish sauce, if needed. Divide soup and noodles among bowls and serve with toppings.