Kosovar Chicken with Walnuts
Pule me Arra
A rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy sauce made with ground walnuts, garlic, and a hint of vinegar. This recipe offers a unique nutty texture and savory taste, reflecting traditional Balkan culinary influences.

๐ง Ingredients
- 1 medium (approx. 1.2-1.5 kg) Whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 150 g Walnuts, finely ground
- 60 g Butter
- 3-4 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 7-8 Garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tbsp White wine vinegar
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Wash the chicken pieces and place them in a pot. Add enough cold water to cover the chicken, along with a little salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender. Reserve about 1 cup of the chicken broth.
๐ก Tip: Simmering the chicken first helps to tenderize it and creates a flavorful broth for the sauce. - 2
While the chicken is simmering, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and sautรฉ for about 3 minutes until it turns a light yellow color, being careful not to brown it too much.
๐ก Tip: Toasting the flour lightly helps to remove its raw taste and creates a smoother sauce base. - 3
Gradually whisk in the reserved chicken broth into the saucepan with the flour and butter mixture. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Add the crushed garlic, vinegar, salt, and pepper. If using, add the red pepper flakes.
๐ก Tip: Adding the broth gradually prevents lumps from forming in the sauce. - 4
Stir the finely ground walnuts into the sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the walnuts are finely ground for a smooth, creamy sauce. - 5
Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
๐ก Tip: Avoid over-simmering after adding the chicken to prevent it from drying out. - 6
Serve hot, traditionally with a side of rice or mashed potatoes.
๐ก Tip: This dish is also delicious served with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โFor a richer flavor, you can brown the chicken pieces in a little oil before simmering.
- โAdjust the amount of garlic and vinegar to your personal taste.
- โIf the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth or water.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes suggest adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the sauce for a brighter flavor.
- For a different texture, you can use chopped walnuts instead of ground walnuts, though the sauce will be chunkier.