Sri Lankan Coconut Cashew Chicken (Printer-friendly)

Creamy coconut-cashew chicken with warming spices served over fragrant saffron rice.

# What You Need:

→ For the Chicken Curry

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→ For the Saffron Rice

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# How to Make It:

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 rice, cover again, and let steam for an additional 5 minutes off the heat. Fluff gently with a fork.
10 - Finish curry with lime juice and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve coconut and cashew chicken over saffron rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.

# Expert Tips:

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  • The cashews soften as they simmer creating this incredible texture that makes the sauce feel luxurious
  • Saffron rice turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into something that feels like a special occasion
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  • The sauce will continue thickening as it rests so do not worry if it seems slightly loose when you first finish cooking
  • Saffron needs time to bloom so do not rush the steeping process or you will not get the full flavor
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  • If you cannot find curry leaves fresh curry powder works but the leaves add such a distinct aroma
  • Letting the curry rest for 10 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together

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