Communal living is so great. At least it is for us, the moochers. We have been living with my brother and his family for the last month while we “search for a place to live.” And by that I mean eat their food and dominate the remote control while we pretend to look at places online.
This mooching business is an art which I am still learning. Eric is a pro though. Even back when we were dating, my roommates called him the “Smoocher” because he was always mooching off us and because, well, we smooched a lot.
My brother and his wife Sandi pretend that they like having us here, which makes it even easier for us. I do what I always do: cook an overabundance of food and pretend that I’m always about to do the dishes. Really I just cook and they do the dishes.
As if the phenomenon of self-cleaning dishes couldn’t be topped, their son Eli is the same age as Charlotte and they get along swimmingly. This morning I was doing Charlotte’s hair. Eli came in yelling what I thought was, “baseball! Baseball!” But instead he and Charlotte fist-bumped. Then they continued to high-five, down low, up high, while I exploded in laughter. Not only do the dishes get done, but my kid is constantly entertained as well.
My brother and my husband are both named Eric, so when we were cleaning up after eating this Thai dish, I made lunches for both of them and labeled one “Eric Z.” and the other “Eric G.” My brother said he just walked around at work with a smug look on his face pointing at his meticulously labeled lunch. He texted me and said I could stay forever. I told him fine, I will, but don’t come crying to me when I’m still here next year.
This curry is fantastic and pretty simple to put together. Here’s a picture of the curry paste that I used. I’m usually not a huge fan of sweet potatoes, but they work great in this recipe. Make this for your extended family. You might just get free room and board.
Thai Red Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound Chicken Thighs, boneless skinless
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Thai Red Curry Paste
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely minced or grated
- 2 & 1/2 cups coconut milk, light or regular
- 8 ounces sweet potato, (1 large) peeled and diced
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- Hot cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
- Place the oil over medium-high heat in a large wok or pan.
- Using a sharp knife, thinly slice or chop the chicken. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken to the pan and saute for 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and ginger and continue to saute for about a minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Add curry paste and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the coconut milk and sweet potato to the mixture, stir, and bring to a boil. Let bubble over medium heat for 20 minutes, or until the juices begin to thicken and reduce.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and cilantro to the curry and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with hot jasmine rice.
Hi! How would this work in the crockpot? I try to avoid too much frying due to the location of the stove and not a good ventilation system – the house will have that ‘fried food’ smell for days!
Thanks!
T
Hey Trish! I’ve never tried it in the crock pot but that’s a great idea. Let me know how it works for you!
Seriously, your blog is so funny, I love it! Nice stories and the food looks pretty amazing too. :)
Thanks Reesy!
So glad to read your post Karen! I’ve been missing them. You keep Joy and me happy at work and give us something to smile (laugh out loud more often) and “yummm” about!
I will have to order some of this Red Curry Paste from Amazon, as I’m pretty sure I can’t find it at any grocery store around here. It looks delicious.
I’ve missed it too Kris! I’m glad I can keep you and Joy hungry at work :) And yes, you really should order some curry paste. It’s super delicious.
That looks just delicious, I love curry! It sounds like you and your brother have a really great relationship =)
Thanks Jaclyn, let me know if you try it! And yes, we really do :)