Mooove over, real cream - this curry is made rich and creamy with (cow-free) cashew cream, which is remarkably similar to heavy cream in appearance, taste, and in-sauce behavior. In fact, cashew cream actually thickens up faster. Make this straightforward recipe with some garam masala, and garnish with whole cashews, lime wedges, and cilantro. Serve with rice, garlic naan, or both!
Ingredients
- kosher salt: 2 tsp (to taste)
- ground cumin: 1.5 tsp
- ground coriander: 1 tsp
- paprika: 2 tsp
- cayenne pepper: 0.5 tsp
- ground turmeric: 0.5 tsp
- Garam Masala: 2 tsp
- boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 2 pound
- vegetable oil: 1 Tbsp
- butter: 2 Tbsp (divided)
- yellow onion: 1 piece (chopped)
- tomato paste: 2 Tbsp
- garlic cloves: 4 piece (minced)
- ginger root: 1 Tbsp (fresh; minced)
- chicken broth: 1 cup
- water: 2 cups (cold)
- whole roasted cashews: 0.75 cup
- green onions: 0.33333 cup (sliced)
- freshly chopped cilantro: 0.33333 cup
- lime: 1 piece (juiced)
Metric Conversion
Stages of cooking
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Mix salt, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, turmeric, and garam masala together in a small bowl.
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Cut a chicken thigh in half lengthwise along the crease. Halve the thicker portion to end up with three 2-inch pieces. Repeat with remaining chicken thighs.
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Transfer chicken to a bowl. Add oil and about 1/2 of the spice blend; mix thoroughly. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the fridge for 4 to 12 hours.
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Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan over high heat until melted and golden brown. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook until browned, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Return chicken and accumulated juices to the bowl.
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Heat remaining butter in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add onion, remaining spice blend, tomato paste, garlic, and ginger. Cook and stir until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the chicken and any accumulated juices.
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Combine water and cashews in a blender; blend on high speed until very smooth. Stir cashew cream into the pan. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until flavors blend, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in green onions and cilantro; taste for seasoning. Squeeze in lime juice.
