Sri Lankan Coconut Cashew Chicken (Print)
Tender chicken in creamy coconut-cashew sauce over fragrant saffron rice
# What You’ll Need:
→ For the Chicken Curry
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→ For the Saffron Rice
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# How To Make:
01 - Soak saffron threads in warm milk and set aside to infuse.
02 - In a large skillet, dry toast cashews over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
03 - Heat coconut oil in the same skillet. Add onions and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and green chilies, cooking for 2 minutes.
04 - Stir in coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, curry powder, and cinnamon stick. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
06 - Add tomato paste, coconut milk, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
07 - Add toasted cashews and curry leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
08 - In a saucepan, combine rinsed rice, water, salt, and butter or coconut oil. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
09 - Drizzle saffron milk over the rice, cover again, and let steam for an additional 5 minutes off the heat. Fluff gently with a fork.
10 - Finish the curry with lime juice and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve over saffron rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.
# Expert Tips:
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- The cashew creaminess creates this luxurious texture that feels restaurant fancy but comes together in under an hour
- That saffron rice steaming in its own perfumed cloud makes the whole house feel warm and inviting
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- Dont skip toasting the cashews first, that minute completely transforms them from boring to extraordinary
- Let the curry rest for 5 minutes off heat before serving, the sauce thickens and flavors deepen noticeably
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- If the sauce thickens too much, splash in a little warm water or stock rather than more coconut milk to maintain the flavor balance
- Grating your ginger instead of mincing releases more of its aromatic oils and eliminates those fibrous strings