Albanian Chicken with Walnuts
Pule me Arra
Pule me Arra is a rich and flavorful Albanian dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy, nutty sauce made from finely ground walnuts, garlic, and butter. This dish offers a unique texture and a delightful balance of savory and nutty notes.
๐ง Ingredients
- 600 g Chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 100 g Walnuts, finely ground
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 75 g Butter
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 Egg yolks, beaten
- 125 ml Chicken stock or water
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, leaving the pan juices.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked to keep it tender. - 2
Make the sauce base: In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 65g of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden brown color (about 2-3 minutes).
๐ก Tip: Be careful not to burn the flour; a light golden color is desired. - 3
Add walnuts and garlic: Stir in the finely ground walnuts and minced garlic. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
๐ก Tip: Toasting the walnuts slightly enhances their flavor. - 4
Incorporate liquids and egg yolks: Pour in the chicken stock (or water) and stir well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the beaten egg yolks, stirring constantly to prevent them from scrambling. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
๐ก Tip: Whisking the egg yolks off the heat or on very low heat helps prevent them from solidifying. - 5
Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the chicken is well coated in the sauce. - 6
Simmer and serve: Let the chicken and sauce simmer gently for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
๐ก Tip: This dish is excellent served with rice, crusty bread, or mashed potatoes.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โFor a smoother sauce, you can process the walnuts very finely in a food processor.
- โIf the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
- โEnsure the egg yolks are tempered properly to avoid a scrambled egg texture in the sauce.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use veal or pork instead of chicken for a different flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce for a touch of brightness.
- Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for added warmth and complexity.