Turmeric Cashew Chicken with Spices

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €8.46 · €1.41/serving

• - 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, excess fat trimmed, and cut into 2" pieces (marinate in a mixture of yogurt and spices for added tenderness)Est. price €4.50–€7.50
• - 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal or 1 teaspoon Morton kosher salt, divided (season meat generously for balanced flavor)Est. price €0.02–€0.05
• - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (mix with a splash of oil to create a paste for even distribution)Est. price €0.10–€0.25
• - 1 tablespoon high-quality vegetable oil (heat oil until shimmering before adding ingredients for a better sear)Est. price €0.08–€0.15
• - 5 cloves fresh garlic, divided (peel and mince for optimal flavor)Est. price €0.15–€0.30
• - 1 cup whole raw cashewsEst. price €2.50–€4.50
• - 1 small jalapeño, halved and deseeded (remove seeds for a milder heat)Est. price €0.20–€0.40
• - 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds (lightly toast in a dry skillet before using for a more robust flavor)Est. price €0.08–€0.18
• - Steamed rice, fresh cilantro sprigs, and lime wedges (serve alongside for a complete and satisfying meal)Est. price €0.60–€1.20
• - 1 2" segment fresh ginger, peeled and halved, divided (crush with the flat side of a knife for enhanced aroma)Est. price €0.15–€0.30

Steps

1. 1

   In a small bowl, add ⅔ cup of raw cashews and cover them with hot water. Allow the cashews to soak until they are softened, which should take around 15-20 minutes or until you can easily crush a nut between two fingers.

2. 2

   Grate 2 garlic cloves and half of a 2-inch piece of peeled ginger finely into a medium bowl. Cut 1.5 pounds of skinless, boneless chicken thighs into 2-inch pieces after trimming excess fat. Add the chicken to the bowl along with 1 teaspoon of Diamond Crystal salt or 0.5 teaspoons of Morton kosher salt, then mix everything together. Allow the chicken to marinate while you prepare the sauce.

3. 3

   Begin by draining the cashews and placing them into a blender. Proceed to roughly chop a 1-inch piece of peeled ginger. Combine the chopped ginger, a small jalapeño (halved), 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric, the remaining 3 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of Diamond Crystal salt or ½ teaspoon of Morton kosher salt, and 1½ cups of water in the blender. Blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth consistency to create the cashew sauce. Set aside the prepared cashew sauce for later use.

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• Cultural note

  Turmeric Cashew Chicken is a flavorful dish inspired by Indian cuisine, known for its vibrant spices and bold flavors. The combination of turmeric, cumin, and ginger reflects the traditional spices used in Indian cooking. Cashews are commonly used in Indian cuisine for their creamy texture and nutty flavor.

• Seasonal note

  This dish can be enjoyed year-round as most ingredients like chicken, turmeric, garlic, and cumin are readily available. Fresh cilantro and jalapeño peppers are typically in season during the summer months.

• Health note

  Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may help with digestion. Cashews provide healthy fats and protein, while chicken offers a good source of lean protein. This dish is relatively low in calories and sugar, making it a nutritious option.