Name: Chicken with Chestnuts
Yield: Makes 4 servings (as part of a Chinese meal)
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons coarsely crushed yellow rock sugar (sometimes labeled "yellow rock candy"); 3 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (preferably Shaoxing) or medium-dry Sherry; 2 tablespoons dark mushroom soy sauce; 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce; 2 cups water; 2 1/4 pounds whole chicken legs (including thighs; about 2 large); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices; 1 large garlic clove, smashed; 16 frozen shelled and blanched chestnuts (3 ounces), thawed; 1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil; 2 tablespoons chopped scallion

Chinese chestnuts are quite common in the cuisine of northern China; they also appear in the food of Shanghai. These sweet meats, which are smaller than their European cousins, are used in many braised dishes and casseroles.

Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 1 hr

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