Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry

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. You won't need anything too exotic, besides maybe garam masala, to make this straightforward recipe. Garnish with whole cashews, lime wedges, and cilantro. Serve with rice, garlic naan, or both!

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 287 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups cold water
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
• ⅓ cup sliced green onions
• ¾ cup whole roasted cashews
• ⅓ cup freshly chopped cilantro

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Mix salt, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, turmeric, and garam masala together in a small bowl.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.