Coconut Curry over Sticky Rice

In a large pan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, translucent, and slightly caramelized (approximately 10 minutes).

Incorporate minced apple, grated garlic, curry powder, tomato paste, flour, garam masala, and ground ginger. Stir continuously, allowing the spices to bloom and the flour to cook (2-3 minutes).

Pour in 2 cups of coconut milk, add roughly chopped carrots and potato, and bring the mixture to a boil.

Introduce 4 cups of chicken broth, light brown sugar, mushroom-flavored dark soy sauce, and chile-garlic sauce (Sriracha). Return to a boil.

Gently toss in the roughly chopped cooked chicken thighs. Cover the pan, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 30 minutes.

Remove the lid and check the thickness of the sauce. If it appears too thin, leave the lid off and allow it to simmer until it reaches your desired consistency (approximately 15 minutes). Season with salt to taste.

While the curry simmers, prepare the sticky rice. Place uncooked short-grain white rice in a bowl or pot and fill with water, ensuring it covers the rice by a few inches.

With a flat hand and separated fingers, gently shake the rice from side to side, moving up and down to release excess starch. Pour out the water and repeat this process until the water runs clear (approximately 5 times). Drain the rice in a fine-mesh strainer.

In a pot, combine the drained rice, remaining coconut milk, remaining chicken broth, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir well to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot, reduce heat to a light simmer, and allow the rice to cook until it is fluffy and all the liquid has been absorbed (approximately 20 minutes).

Remove the pot from heat, cover the lid with a towel to trap steam, and let the rice rest for 20 minutes. This ensures perfectly sticky and tender rice.

Serve the luscious Coconut Curry generously over the fragrant Sticky Rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for an extra touch of freshness (optional).