iamchum/robs.kitchen_recipe_dataset huggingface dataset:
Pistachio Rhubarb Trifle

Ingredients:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour plus additional for dusting
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup unsalted shelled pistachios
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 large egg yolks
3 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
4 large egg whites
Sherry syrup
Vanilla custard
Rhubarb purée
1 cup chilled heavy cream
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon light Fino Sherry
2 tablespoons unsalted shelled pistachios, chopped
a 15- by 10- by 1-inch baking pan; parchment paper; a 3- to 3 1/2-qt glass trifle or soufflé dish

Instructions:
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Butter baking pan, then line bottom with parchment paper and butter paper. Dust pan with flour, knocking out excess.
Pulse together 1/2 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, pistachios, and salt in a food processor until pistachios are very finely ground (mixture will resemble a slightly grainy flour). Transfer mixture to a large bowl and whisk in yolks, milk, and extracts.
Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt using an electric mixer at medium-high speed until they hold soft peaks. Reduce speed to low, then add remaining 1/2 cup sugar, a little at a time. Increase speed to high and beat until whites hold stiff, glossy peaks. Fold one third of whites into batter to lighten, then fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly.
Pour batter into baking pan, spreading evenly, and rap pan against counter to release any air bubbles. Bake cake until golden and springy to the touch, 20 to 25 minutes.
Cool cake in pan on a rack 20 minutes. Remove pan (with cake) from rack and cover rack with a sheet of parchment, then invert rack over cake and flip cake onto rack. Carefully peel off parchment from bottom of cake and cool completely.
Slide cake (on parchment) onto a work surface and arrange with a long side nearest you. Trim cake with a serrated knife to make a 12- by 9-inch rectangle, reserving trimmings, then brush cake and trimmings with Sherry syrup. Halve cake crosswise, then cut each half into thirds first lengthwise and then crosswise to total 18 (3- by 2-inch) pieces. Halve each piece diagonally to form triangles.
Spoon 1/2 cup custard into bottom of trifle dish. Arrange half of triangles over custard in 2 layers, pressing short ends of triangles against side of dish (there should be small spaces in between slices for custard to run through). Arrange half of trimmings in the center, cutting them as needed to fit. Spread 1 1/2 cups custard over cake, then spread 1 cup rhubarb purée over custard.
Cover with remaining cake and trimmings in same manner, then spread remaining custard over. Spread remaining rhubarb purée over custard, leaving a 1-inch border around edge. Chill, covered tightly with plastic wrap, at least 8 hours.
Beat cream with sugar and Sherry using cleaned beaters until it just holds soft peaks. Spoon cream over top of trifle, then sprinkle with pistachios.
Onion Gravy

Ingredients:
1 medium onion, thinly sliced, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups water, 1 cup canned beef broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:
Cook onion in oil and butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat, stirring frequently, until onion is softened and browned, about 15 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in water, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper and simmer, stirring and scraping up brown bits, until gravy is slightly thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and additional Worcestershire sauce if desired.
Chive and Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:
2 pounds unpeeled red-skinned potatoes, rinsed, cut into 1- to 1 1/2-inch pieces
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup chopped chives (about 3 bunches)

Instructions:
Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 18 minutes. Drain. Melt butter in same pot over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Return potatoes to pot. Add chives. Mash potatoes coarsely. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Griddle Cakes with Marmalade and Clotted Cream

Ingredients:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
Accompaniments: marmalade or jam; clotted cream or crème fraîche

Instructions:
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 200°F. Warm 4 plates in oven.
Heat a well-seasoned griddle or heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron) over moderately low heat until hot.
While griddle heats, whisk together flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then whisk in buttermilk, egg, and 3 tablespoons butter until combined.
Brush hot griddle with some of remaining butter, then spoon 3 tablespoons batter per oatcake onto hot griddle and cook until bubbles appear on surface, edges are set, and undersides are golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip cakes with a large spatula and cook until tops spring back when pressed gently, 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer as cooked to plates in oven and loosely cover with foil. Brush griddle with butter between batches if necessary.
Brush griddle cakes with any remaining butter and serve immediately.
Beer-Battered Asparagus

Ingredients:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup lager such as Harp (pour beer slowly into measuring cup; do not measure foam)
About 4 cups vegetable oil
1 lb medium asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces
a deep-fat thermometer

Instructions:
Stir together mayonnaise, lemon juice, zest, and pepper in a small bowl. Chill, covered, until ready to use.
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 200°F.
Whisk together flour, salt, zest, and pepper in a bowl until combined, then add beer, whisking until smooth.
Heat 3 inches oil in a 3- to 4-quart heavy saucepan over moderately high heat until it registers 375°F on thermometer.
Submerge asparagus spears in batter to coat. Working in batches of 10, drag 1 at a time gently against rim to remove excess batter, then transfer to oil and fry, stirring gently to keep asparagus from sticking together, until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer as fried with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet and keep warm in oven. Return oil to 375°F between batches. Serve with lemon dipping sauce.
Cuban-Style Picadillo

Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large white onion, chopped
8 garlic cloves, minced
6 Turkish bay leaves
2 pounds ground beef (15 to 20 percent fat)
1 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
3/4 cup raisins
3/4 cup sliced drained pimiento-stuffed green olives (from 5-ounce jar)
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:
Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and bay leaves; sauté until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add beef; sauté until cooked, breaking up with back of fork, about 7 minutes. Add all remaining ingredients. Simmer until picadillo thickens, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Discard bay leaves. Serve picadillo warm.
Turkish-Style Lamb Burgers with Walnut Sauce

Ingredients:
1 cup boiling-hot water
1/3 cup bulgur
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 medium onion, quartered
1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 lb ground lamb
1/2 teaspoon paprika (not hot)
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 small garlic clove
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup walnuts (1 1/2 oz)
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
4 (4-inch) pita loaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
Paprika (not hot) for dusting
Garnish: fresh cilantro sprigs

Instructions:
Pour boiling-hot water over bulgur with 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl and soak 15 minutes, then drain in a sieve.
Mince garlic and mash to a paste with salt (1/8 teaspoon) using a large heavy knife, then transfer to a food processor and blend with remaining sauce ingredients until smooth. Transfer to a bowl.
Preheat broiler.
Pulse onion and herbs in cleaned processor until finely chopped, then transfer to a bowl and stir in bulgur, lamb, paprika, allspice, pepper, cayenne, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt until just combined. Form lamb mixture into 4 patties (4 inches in diameter).
Arrange pitas on a baking sheet. Brush with oil, then lightly dust with paprika and season with pepper. Broil on lowest rack until toasted, 1 to 3 minutes (watch to prevent burning). Keep pitas warm, loosely covered with foil, while broiling burgers.
Oil rack of a broiler pan and heat 4 inches from heat until hot, 3 to 5 minutes.
Broil burgers, turning over once, until cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes total. Serve burgers on pitas, topped with sauce.
Antipasto Pasta

Ingredients:
12 ounces linguine
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 large (5-inch-diameter) portobello mushrooms, stemmed, dark gills removed, caps sliced 1/4 inch thick
6 ounces 1/8-inch-thick slices Genoa salami, cut into thin strips
1 cup sliced vegetables and 6 tablespoons marinade from 16-ounce jar antipasto salad with olives
2 cups grated Asiago cheese, divided
2 cups chopped fresh basil
divided

Instructions:
Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid.
Heat oil in same pot over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; sauté until tender and brown, about 6 minutes. Add salami; toss 30 seconds. Add pasta, 1/2 cup cooking liquid, sliced vegetables, reserved marinade, and 1 1/2 cups cheese; toss until liquid thickens and coats pasta, about 3 minutes. Mix in 1 1/2 cups basil. Season with pepper. Transfer to bowl. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup basil; serve with 1/2 cup cheese.
Sticky Toffee Pudding

Ingredients:
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened, plus additional for greasing pan
1 cup self-rising cake flour plus additional for flouring pan
1 cup pitted dates (5 oz), finely chopped
1 1/4 cups packed dark brown sugar
1 large egg

Instructions:
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour an 8- by 2-inch round cake pan.
Simmer dates in 1 cup water in a 1-quart heavy saucepan, covered, until soft, about 5 minutes. Let stand, covered, off heat 5 minutes.
Beat together 1 stick butter and 1/4 cup brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat in egg until combined. Add flour and 1/8 teaspoon salt and mix at low speed until just combined. Add dates and mix until just combined well.
Pour batter into pan and bake until a wooden pick or skewer inserted in center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt remaining stick butter in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat and stir in remaining cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup water, and a pinch of salt. Boil over moderately high heat, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved and sauce is reduced to about 1 1/4 cups, 2 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and cover.
Transfer pudding in pan to a rack and poke all over at 1-inch intervals with a chopstick. Gradually pour half of warm sauce evenly over hot pudding. Let stand until almost all of sauce is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
Run a thin knife around edge of pan. Invert a plate over pudding and invert pudding onto plate. Pour remaining warm sauce over pudding and serve immediately.
Avocado and Mango Salad with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons frozen passion fruit juice concentrate, thawed
3 tablespoons minced shallot
4 teaspoons Sherry wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds, coarsely cracked
3 tablespoons olive oil
8 cups herb salad mix (about 4 ounces)
1 large ripe mango, halved, pitted, peeled, sliced
2 small avocados
halved
pitted
peeled
sliced

Instructions:
Whisk first 5 ingredients in small bowl to blend; gradually whisk in oil. Season dressing generously with salt and pepper. Toss salad mix in large bowl with 1/4 cup dressing. Divide salad among 4 plates. Tuck mango and avocado into salad; drizzle some of remaining dressing over mango and avocado.
Wine-Braised Leg of Lamb With Garlic

Ingredients:
1 5 3/4-pound bone-in leg of lamb, well trimmed
4 large garlic cloves, minced, divided
3 large heads of garlic, cut horizontally in half
1 bunch fresh thyme (about 1 ounce)
1 750-ml bottle dry white wine (such as Chardonnay)
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 475°F. Place lamb in large roasting pan. Rub all over with half of minced garlic. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place halved heads of garlic around lamb, cut side up. Scatter 1 bunch thyme over and around lamb. Roast lamb 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Boil wine in large saucepan for 5 minutes. Pour wine around lamb. Cover and roast until lamb is very tender, about 2 hours 45 minutes longer. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, uncovered, 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm, covered, in 350°F oven for 30 minutes before continuing.)
Transfer lamb and heads of garlic to platter. Tent with foil. Using slotted spoon, remove thyme sprigs and garlic skins from pan juices. Place roasting pan over medium-high heat on stovetop. Bring juices to boil. Add butter and remaining minced garlic. Boil until juices thicken slightly, about 12 minutes. Season jus with salt and pepper. Slice lamb; spoon jus over.
Cheddar Beer Soup

Ingredients:
2 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only), cut into 1/4-inch dice (2 cups)
2 medium carrots, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
2 celery ribs, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 3/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth (14 fl oz)
1 (12-oz) bottle ale such as Bass
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb extra-sharp Cheddar (preferably English; rind removed if necessary), grated (4 cups)
4 bacon slices (3 1/2 oz total)
cooked and crumbled

Instructions:
Wash leeks in a bowl of cold water, agitating water, then lift out leeks and drain in a colander.
Cook leeks, carrots, celery, garlic, and bay leaf in butter in a 4-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to moderately low and sprinkle flour over vegetables, then cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes. Add milk, broth, and beer in a stream, whisking, then simmer, whisking occasionally, 5 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.
Add cheese by handfuls, stirring constantly, and cook until cheese is melted, 3 to 4 minutes (do not boil). Discard bay leaf.
Serve sprinkled with bacon.
Sausage, Red Onion, and Wild Mushroom Pizza

Ingredients:
1 16-ounce ball purchased fresh pizza dough
2/3 cup finely grated Piave or Parmesan cheese
2 1/4 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary, divided
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
Coarse kosher salt
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 1/2 hot Italian sausages, casings removed
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
7 ounces fresh wild mushrooms (such as stemmed shiitake, oyster, and chanterelle), thickly sliced
1 3/4 cups coarsely grated whole-milk mozzarella cheese (about 7 ounces), divided
Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:
Position 1 rack in top third and 1 rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 450°F. Lightly flour 2 baking sheets. Place dough on work surface; let stand until room temperature, about 20 minutes. Divide dough in half. Press and stretch each piece out on lightly floured surface to 5-inch round. Sprinkle each with 1/3 cup Piave cheese, 3/4 teaspoon rosemary, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper; sprinkle with coarse salt. Roll each piece of dough out to 10-inch round, pressing in seasonings. Transfer dough rounds to prepared baking sheets.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage. Sauté until brown, breaking into 1/2-inch pieces with back of spoon, about 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer sausage to bowl. Add onion to skillet. Sauté until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes; transfer to plate. Add remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil to skillet. Add mushrooms and remaining 3/4 teaspoon rosemary; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté until brown, about 5 minutes. Leaving 1/2-inch plain border, top each dough round with 3/4 cup mozzarella, then onion, sausage, and mushrooms.
Bake until crust bottoms are crisp and brown, reversing sheets after 10 minutes, about 20 minutes total. Using large spatula, transfer pizzas to work surface. Sprinkle each with 2 tablespoons mozzarella, then parsley, if desired.
Pizza-wheel cutters can drag toppings, so use a large chef's knife to cut pizzas into wedges.
Stilton Cheese Puffs

Ingredients:
1/2 cup ale such as Bass (pour beer slowly into measuring cup; do not measure foam)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Rounded 1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/2 cup crumbled Stilton cheese (from a 4-oz piece; rind discarded)
a pastry bag fitted with a plain 1/2-inch tip; parchment paper

Instructions:
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400°F.
Combine beer, butter, and salt in a 1 1/2- to 2-quart heavy saucepan and bring to a full boil over high heat, stirring until butter is melted. Reduce heat to moderate and add flour all at once, then cook, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon, until mixture pulls away from side of pan, about 30 seconds. Continue to cook, stirring and flattening batter against bottom of pan, until excess moisture is evaporated and a film forms on bottom of pan. Remove from heat and cool 5 minutes.
Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well with wooden spoon after each addition. (Batter will appear to separate initially but will become smooth once beaten.) Add cheese and stir until combined well.
Spoon batter into pastry bag. Line a large baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper, then secure parchment by piping a dab of batter under each corner. Pipe approximately 3-inch lengths of batter 1 inch apart on baking sheet, making about 40 total.
Bake until puffed, golden, and crisp, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool slightly before serving.
Sauteed Flank Steak with Arugula and Roasted Cauliflower and Red Peppers

Ingredients:
1 large head cauliflower (2 1/2 lb), cut into 1 1/2-inch-wide florets (8 cups)
2 lb red bell peppers (about 5), cut into 1-inch squares
4 large garlic cloves, peeled
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
1 (1-lb) piece flank steak, halved lengthwise (along the grain)
1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 oz baby arugula
1/2 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar
or to taste

Instructions:
Put oven rack in upper third of oven and preheat oven to 500°F.
Toss cauliflower, bell peppers, and garlic with olive oil, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Spread in a large shallow baking pan (at least 15 by 10 inches) and roast, turning over once or twice, until vegetables are tender and slightly charred, 25 to 30 minutes.
While vegetables roast, heat a dry 10-inch heavy skillet (not nonstick; preferably cast-iron) over moderately high heat until hot, about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together remaining teaspoon thyme, teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Pat steak dry and rub both sides with thyme mixture.
Add vegetable oil to hot skillet, then add steak and sauté, turning over once, 5 to 7 minutes total for medium-rare. Transfer to a cutting board and let stand, loosely covered with foil, 5 minutes.
Reserve roasted garlic cloves and 1 cup roasted bell peppers. Toss arugula with remaining roasted vegetables in pan to wilt, then transfer to a platter.
Blend reserved garlic and bell peppers with broth, vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste in a blender until smooth. Transfer sauce to a small bowl or sauceboat.
Holding a knife at a 45-degree angle, cut steak across the grain into thin slices and arrange on platter with vegetables. Pour any juices accumulated on cutting board over meat and serve sauce on the side.
Fried Potatoes and Cabbage

Ingredients:
1 lb russet (baking) potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1 lb Savoy cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:
Cover potatoes with cold salted water by 1 inch and bring to a boil, then boil, uncovered, until tender when pierced with a sharp knife, about 18 minutes. Drain in a colander.
Heat butter in a 10-inch heavy nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté cabbage with salt and pepper, stirring frequently, until tender, about 5 minutes.
Add potatoes, mashing and stirring them into cabbage while leaving some lumps and pressing to form a cake. Cook, without stirring, until underside is crusty and golden, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately.
Roasted Vegetable Meatloaf with Mustard Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:
3 small zucchini, diced
3 red bell peppers, diced
2 medium-size red onions, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, divided
2 pounds ground beef chuck (20% fat)
2 cups coarsely grated whole-milk mozzarella cheese (about 8 ounces)
1 1/2 cups panko* (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh marjoram
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1 cup ketchup, divided
2 large eggs
1/4 cup dry red wine
Mustard Mashed Potatoes

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 450°F. Combine zucchini, peppers, and onions in medium bowl. Add oil and 1 tablespoon rosemary; toss to coat. Spread evenly on rimmed baking sheet; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast until vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven; cool.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix ground beef, mozzarella, panko, basil, marjoram, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, dried crushed pepper, 1 tablespoon rosemary, and 1 cup roasted vegetables in large bowl. Whisk 1/2 cup ketchup, eggs, and wine in medium bowl. Add to beef mixture; stir with wooden spoon until well incorporated; spoon into 9x5x3-inch loaf pan, forming rounded top.
Spoon 1/2 cup ketchup over top of loaf. Bake meatloaf until cooked through, juices run clear, and top is browned, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Remove pan from oven; let meatloaf rest 20 minutes.
Rewarm remaining vegetable mixture in large nonstick skillet. Turn meatloaf out; cut into 1-inch-thick slices. Top with warm roasted vegetable mixture; serve with mashed potatoes.
*Flaky panko crumbs are the best substitute for fresh breadcrumbs in almost anything, including meatloaf. Look for them in the Asian foods section of the supermarket and at Asian markets.
Shrimp Curry

Ingredients:
1 large onion, quartered
1 (2-inch-long) piece fresh ginger, peeled
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder (preferably Madras)
1 to 2 fresh serrano chiles, halved lengthwise
1 cup water
1 (14-oz) can unsweetened coconut milk (not low fat)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 lb large shrimp in shell (21 to 25 per lb)
Accompaniment: cooked basmati rice
Garnish: lime wedges

Instructions:
Pulse onion and ginger in a food processor until finely chopped. Cook onion mixture with salt and sugar in oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until onion begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in curry powder and chiles and cook, stirring frequently, 2 minutes. Stir in water, coconut milk, and lime juice and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 5 to 8 minutes.
While sauce simmers, peel shrimp (devein if desired) and season with salt and pepper. Add shrimp to sauce and simmer, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Add salt to taste and serve immediately.