towel soup

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 medium potatoes, cubed
• 1 lb chicken thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 package Japanese curry roux (Golden Curry or Vermont Curry, medium hot)
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 apple, grated (the secret weapon)

Steps

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and starting to caramelize, about 8 minutes. Don't rush this — the onion is doing important work.
2. Add garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Your kitchen should smell incredible right now.
3. Add the chicken pieces and brown on all sides, about 4 minutes. It doesn't need to be cooked through — it'll finish in the broth.
4. Add carrots and potatoes. Stir everything together and let it hang out for 2 minutes.
5. Pour in the chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Turn off the heat. Break the curry roux into pieces and add it to the pot. Stir until completely dissolved. This is the moment it all comes together.
7. Add soy sauce, honey, and the grated apple. Stir well.
8. Return to low heat and simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the curry thickens to your preferred consistency.
9. Serve over steamed rice. Pickled ginger on the side if you're feeling fancy. A cold beer if you're feeling right.

Notes

The grated apple is non-negotiable. It adds a subtle sweetness and body that makes this curry taste like you spent way longer on it than you did. Some people use ketchup for the same effect. Those people are wrong.

Leftovers are better the next day. This is a scientific fact.

Ingredients

• 1 towel (clean, hoopy)
• 2 cans of whatever you have left
• 42 grams of hope

Instructions

1. Locate your towel. This is step one. Do not skip step one.
2. Add everything else. Season to taste.
3. Simmer until the universe makes sense (approximately never).
4. Serve warm. Don't panic.