Katsu Curry

Ingredients:

Stock:
3 quarts low-sodium beef stock or broth
2 ounces dried shiitake or porcini mushrooms (about 1 cup)
1 lemongrass stalk
1 2-inch piece ginger, peeled, sliced
1 3-inch cinnamon stick
5 garlic cloves, crushed
5 cardamom pods
2 whole cloves
1 tablespoon fenugreek leaves (optional)

Curry:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup canola oil
8 ounces button mushrooms, quartered (about 2 cups)
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
3 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces on the bias
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
¼ cup sake
¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon curry powder (such as S&B)
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 russet potato, cut into 1-inch pieces on the bias
1 Fuji apple, peeled, grated on the large holes of a box grater
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon unseasoned rice wine vinegar

Katsu And Assembly:
4 4-ounce boneless center-cut pork chops, excess fat trimmed
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs, room temperature, beaten to blend
3 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
6 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
Steamed rice, finely chopped scallions, and fukujinzuke (Japanese pickles; for serving)

Preparation:

Stock:
Simmer stock, mushrooms, lemongrass, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, cardamom, cloves, and fenugreek leaves, if using, in a large saucepan, uncovered and stirring occasionally, over medium heat until slightly reduced and very fragrant, 30–40 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or measuring cup; discard solids.

Do Ahead: Stock can be made 3 days ahead; cover and chill.

Curry:

1.While the stock is simmering, melt butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Cook flour, stirring constantly, until roux is golden brown and smells nutty, 2–4 minutes; set aside.

2.Heat oil in a large wide saucepan (you want a wide pot for maximum evaporation) over high. Cook mushrooms, undisturbed, until browned underneath, about 2 minutes. Toss and continue to cook, undisturbed, until browned on the second side, about 2 minutes. Continue to cook, tossing occasionally, until browned on all sides and tender, about 2 minutes more; season with salt and pepper. Using a slotted spoon, transfer mushrooms to a medium bowl, leaving oil in the pot.

3.Reduce heat to medium. Cook onion, carrots, and celery, tossing occasionally, until tender, 8–10 minutes. Pour in sake and cook, scraping up brown bits on the bottom of the pan, until liquid is evaporated, 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle curry powder and garam masala over and cook, stirring frequently, until very fragrant, about 1 minute. Add potato, apple, mushrooms, and reserved stock and bring to a boil. Whisk in reserved roux until mixture thickens. Reduce heat, bring to a simmer, and continue to cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until mixture is very thick, almost the consistency of yogurt, 25–30 minutes. Stir in brown sugar and vinegar; season with salt.

Katsu and Assembly:

1.Pound pork chops between 2 layers of plastic wrap to ¼" thick. Place flour in a shallow bowl (a pie plate works best). Place eggs in another shallow bowl. Place panko in a third shallow bowl. Season flour, eggs, and panko with salt and pepper.

2.Working one at a time, season cutlets with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off excess. Transfer to bowl with the egg and turn to coat. Lift from the bowl, letting excess drip off. Coat in panko, pressing to adhere, then transfer to a rimmed baking sheet.

3.Heat 3 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook 2 cutlets until coating is deep golden brown and pork is just cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Wipe out the skillet and repeat with remaining 3 Tbsp. oil and 2 cutlets.

4.Slice pork into 1" strips. Arrange rice and curry side by side on a plate or in a shallow bowl. Top with pork, scallions, and fukujinzuke.


Katsu Curry:

Curry originated in India, but the curry popular in Japan took hold when English merchants brought curry powder to Kobe and other cities to cook with during their stays. It’s a bit thick, resembling a stew, and is traditionally seasoned with S&B curry powder and some fruit, for sweetness. A pork cutlet (katsu) is a perfect pairing, but you can substitute chicken instead.