Chicken with Pistachio Sauce and Kumara Mash Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Description
A delightful and creamy dish that pairs tender chicken breast fillets with a rich pistachio sauce, served alongside velvety kumara (sweet potato) mash and crisp green beans. This recipe, which I discovered in a magazine given to me by a friend, quickly became a favorite. The combination of flavors and textures is irresistible, making it a perfect dish for a cozy dinner. I love browsing cookbooks, and finding this gem inspired me to share it with you. Enjoy this simple yet elegant meal that will surely impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kumara (sweet potato) | 800g |
| Chicken breast fillets | 680g |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 20g (divided) |
| Dry white wine | 125ml |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh ground black pepper | To taste |
| Roasted pistachios | 250g (crushed) |
| Green beans | 160g |
| Milk | 35ml |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 651.5 kcal |
| Fat Content | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 12.3g |
| Cholesterol | 157.3mg |
| Sodium | 315.4mg |
| Carbohydrates | 52.5g |
| Fiber | 10.2g |
| Sugar | 10.7g |
| Protein | 47.6g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Kumara (Sweet Potato Mash):
Begin by peeling and cutting the kumara into chunks. In a large pot, bring water to a boil, add the kumara, and cook until tender, which should take about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can steam the kumara for a quicker option. Once cooked, drain the kumara, set it aside, and prepare for mashing. -
Cook the Chicken:
While the kumara is cooking, slice the chicken breast fillets in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets, ensuring they cook faster and more evenly. Heat the olive oil and half of the butter (10g) in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches. Cook each piece for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and cover it to keep warm. -
Prepare the Pistachio Sauce:
In the same frying pan, pour in the dry white wine and bring it to a boil, scraping up any browned bits left from cooking the chicken. Allow the wine to simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly. Then, add the chicken stock and cream. Continue to simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season the sauce with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh thyme and crushed roasted pistachios. Let the sauce simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the pistachios are well incorporated, adding a delicious crunch and depth of flavor. -
Cook the Green Beans:
While the sauce is simmering, prepare the green beans by boiling, steaming, or microwaving them until they are tender but still crisp. Drain the beans and set them aside. -
Mash the Kumara:
Return to the kumara that was set aside earlier. Add the remaining butter (10g) and hot milk to the cooked kumara. Mash the mixture until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Season the mash with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Keep the kumara mash warm until ready to serve. -
Serve:
To assemble, plate the chicken fillets and generously spoon the pistachio sauce over the top. Serve with a side of kumara mash and green beans. Garnish with additional roasted pistachios, if desired, and enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying textures of this delightful dish.
Tips for the Best Chicken with Pistachio Sauce and Kumara Mash
- Kumara Alternatives: If you canβt find kumara (sweet potatoes), you can substitute them with regular potatoes. However, kumara adds a lovely sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich pistachio sauce.
- Make it Lighter: For a lighter version of the sauce, use half-and-half instead of full cream or opt for a lower-fat milk. The pistachios still provide that delightful crunch and flavor without the heaviness of cream.
- Herb Variations: While thyme works wonderfully in this dish, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the kumara mash and pistachio sauce in advance, saving you time when itβs time to cook the chicken. Simply reheat them before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and elegance. The tender chicken and creamy pistachio sauce, paired with the smooth kumara mash and crisp green beans, create a meal that is satisfying, yet light. The addition of roasted pistachios brings a lovely nuttiness and texture to the sauce, while the wine and cream give it a rich depth of flavor. With just 35 minutes of total prep and cook time, this meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a gourmet touch without the fuss.
Let me know how this recipe works out for you! Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!
