Poulet à la Noix de Cajou
Chicken with Cashew Nuts
A flavorful chicken dish where tender pieces of chicken are simmered in a rich sauce made with ground cashew nuts, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It's a comforting and aromatic meal often served with rice or fufu.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken(cut into pieces)
- 150 g Cashew nuts(unsalted, raw)
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 500 ml Chicken broth
- 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Thyme(dried)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Parsley(fresh, chopped for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Grind the cashew nuts into a fine powder using a spice grinder or food processor. Set aside.
- 2
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- 5
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 6
Pour in the chicken broth and add the ground cashew nuts. Stir well to combine, ensuring there are no lumps.
- 7
Add the cayenne pepper, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
- 8
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.
- 9
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- 10
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother sauce, you can soak the cashew nuts in hot water for 30 minutes before grinding them.
- ✓Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spice.
- ✓This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fufu, or boiled plantains.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or sweet potatoes for a heartier stew.
- A splash of lemon juice at the end can add brightness to the flavor.