Thai Chicken Stew

1 1/2 pounds chicken legs separated into drumsticks and thighs, skin removed
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup minced onion
5 cloves garlic peeled
1 tablespoon grated gingerroot
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup 1 inch pieces of red bell pepper
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 teaspoon red curry paste or to taste (1 to 2)
2 cans unsweetened coconut milk (14-ounce)
1/2 teaspoon galanga root powder
1/2 teaspoon dried lemongrass flakes
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 bay leaf
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 cup canned bamboo shoots drained
1/2 cup canned water chestnuts drained
8 ears canned baby corn drained
Fresh lemon juice to taste
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1/4 cup minced fresh mint

Pat the chicken dry and season with salt. In a casserole set over moderately high heat, warm the oil until it is hot, add the chicken and cook it, turning, until no longer pink. Transfer chicken to a plate. Add the onion to the casserole and cook it, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and gingerroot and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add the carrots, bell pepper, mushrooms, and salt to taste, and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes more.

Return the chicken to the pan, add the curry paste and cook the mixture, turning and stirring, 1 minute. Add the coconut milk, galanga root powder, lemongrass flakes, cumin, and bay leaf. Bring mixture to a boil, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Add the broccoli, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, corn, and salt to taste, and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Discard bay leaf. Before serving, stir in the lemon juice, cilantro, and mint. Serves 4.