Pistachio Chicken Recipe
Description:
Delight your taste buds with this mild, creamy pistachio chicken dish. With tender chunks of chicken simmered in a luxurious pistachio sauce, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors with a hint of aromatic spices and fresh herbs. The richness of pistachios adds an elegant touch to this delightful, mildly spiced curry that can be served with rice or flatbread. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress your family and guests.
Recipe Details:
- Dish Name: Pistachio Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Serves: 4
- Spice Level: Mild
- Dietary Info: Contains Nuts
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs (cut into chunks) | 600g |
| Blanched pistachios | 100g |
| Medium onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Ginger (roughly chopped) | 7 cm piece |
| Green chillies | 2-3 |
| Garlic cloves | 6 |
| Fresh coriander leaves | ½ small bunch |
| Yoghurt | 200g |
| Turmeric powder | ½ tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee | 2 tbsp |
| Cloves | 2 |
| Black peppercorns | 15 |
| Green cardamoms (cracked) | 4 |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Cassia bark (2-inch piece) | 2 inches |
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp |
| Fresh cream | For garnish |
| Fresh coriander | For garnish |
| Pistachio slivers | For garnish |
Instructions:
-
Blanch the Pistachios:
Start by boiling enough water to cover the pistachios. Once the water reaches a boil, add the pistachios and blanch them for about 5 minutes. After blanching, drain the pistachios and transfer them to a bowl of cold water to help maintain their vibrant green color. Peel off the skins by gently squishing the pistachios between your fingers. Set the peeled pistachios aside for later use. -
-
Marinate the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken chunks. Mix in the yoghurt, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Set aside and let it marinate while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. -
Prepare the Aromatic Base:
Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the cloves, black peppercorns, cracked green cardamoms, bay leaf, and cassia bark. Sauté these whole spices until they release their fragrance, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes soft and translucent. -
Sauté Ginger, Garlic, and Pistachios:
Add the roughly chopped ginger, green chillies, and garlic to the pan. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, until the raw smell of the garlic disappears and the ingredients soften. Add the blanched pistachios to the pan and stir them in, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. -
Create the Pistachio Sauce:
Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes. Discard the bay leaf and cassia bark. Transfer the pistachio mixture to a large jug or blender. Add a handful of fresh coriander leaves and about 130ml of water. Using a stick blender or regular blender, blend the mixture into a smooth, creamy pistachio purée. -
Cook the Chicken:
In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee over medium-high heat. Add the cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle for about 30 seconds. Return the bay leaf and cassia bark to the pan, and then add the marinated chicken chunks. Sauté the chicken on high heat for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned on all sides. -
Simmer the Curry:
Pour the pistachio purée into the pan with the chicken. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Add some salt, adjusting the seasoning to your preference. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let the curry simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. -
Garnish and Serve:
Once the pistachio chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish generously with a drizzle of fresh cream, a sprinkling of chopped coriander, and slivers of pistachios for an extra touch of color and flavor. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, naan, or your favorite flatbread.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 33g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Sodium | 420mg |
Tips for Success:
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Blanching the Pistachios: Blanching the pistachios and then plunging them into cold water helps retain their bright green color, giving your curry a beautiful presentation.
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Adjusting the Spice Level: If you prefer more heat, feel free to increase the number of green chillies or add a pinch of red chilli powder to the marinade.
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Consistency of the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water added during blending. For a thinner consistency, you can add more water or even some chicken stock to the curry.
-
Garnish Variations: Aside from pistachio slivers, you can garnish with pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and sweetness that complements the dish.
Enjoy the rich, nutty flavors of this luxurious pistachio chicken and share it with loved ones to make every meal a special occasion!
This pistachio chicken recipe is a wonderful blend of creamy textures and mild spices, making it a perfect dish to introduce to your repertoire of chicken curries. Its mildly spiced flavor, balanced with the richness of pistachios and yoghurt, ensures that it’s a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy more subtle flavors. Try it out for your next family dinner, and experience the elegance of pistachios in a hearty, wholesome dish!
