Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry Delight?
It is a rich, aromatic Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a harmonious blend of spices and a luscious cashew-yogurt sauce.
How much chicken is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3.5 to 4 pounds of chicken, cut into 10 serving pieces.
What type of butter should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter.
How should I prepare the onions?
You should use 2 medium onions, finely chopped, which equals about 2 cups.
What aromatics are used in the base?
The base uses finely chopped onions, two large garlic cloves, and one tablespoon of fresh ginger.
Which spices provide the main flavor?
The flavor comes from 3 tablespoons of curry powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Is this curry very spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat level from the curry powder and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
How long do I cook the aromatics?
Sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger for about 5 minutes until they are softened and aromatic.
When do I add the spices?
Sprinkle in the curry powder, salt, cumin, and cayenne after the aromatics have softened, then cook for 2 minutes.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
The recipe instructs to stir the chicken into the spice mixture and cook for 3 minutes to coat it before adding liquids.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
One 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes with their juice is used.
Is fresh cilantro used in the cooking process?
Yes, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro is added along with the tomatoes before simmering.
How long does the chicken simmer?
The chicken should simmer gently for 40 minutes in a covered pot.
How are the cashews prepared for the sauce?
Pulse 3/4 cup of roasted cashews in a food processor until they become a fine powder.
When are the cashews and yogurt added?
They are stirred in after the initial 40-minute simmer is complete.
What type of yogurt is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of plain yogurt.
How long do I cook the curry after adding the yogurt?
Simmer it gently uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the sauce.
What are the best side dishes for this curry?
It is perfectly paired with cooked fluffy basmati or jasmine rice.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of salt.
What size pot is recommended?
A heavy 5- to 6-quart pot is ideal for this recipe.
Should the ginger be peeled?
Yes, the fresh ginger should be peeled before being finely chopped.
Can I garnish the finished dish?
Yes, you can garnish with additional chopped fresh cilantro.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, the curry itself is prepared in a single pot, making it an easy dinner option.
Does the recipe contain nuts?
Yes, it contains 3/4 cup of roasted cashews.
What is the role of the ground cashews?
The ground cashews act as a thickener and provide a rich, nutty flavor to the sauce.
Can I use chicken breasts for this?
While the recipe specifies a whole chicken cut into pieces, you can use breasts, though cooking times may vary.
Is the sauce thick or thin?
The sauce is creamy and thick, especially after adding the cashew powder and yogurt.
How do I ensure the spices release their flavor?
Cook the dry spices with the aromatics for 2 minutes before adding the chicken.
What category of cuisine is this?
This dish captures the essence of Indian cuisine.
Is the chicken cooked covered or uncovered?
The chicken is simmered covered for the first 40 minutes and uncovered for the final 5 minutes.