FromFamilyNFriends: Chicken in Walnut Gravy

This is from one of my closest friends.She and I have been thick as thieves for almost 15 years. That kind of friendship is hard to come by. She is my confidante, my agony aunt and best friend all rolled in one. When I told her I want to post her Walnut Chicken recipe, she was only too happy to share. This recipe is all about bringing the subtle nutty flavor of the Walnut to the forefront. Not too much spice additions either. Thanks Ms.Khary.

Ingredients:

• Chicken Drumsticks - 10
• Walnut - 2/3 of a cup, ground to a coarse powder
  
• Onion - 1, large, roughly chopped
• Tomato - 2, medium, roughly chopped
• Garlic Cloves - 4, skinned
• Ginger - 1", skinned and chopped
• Ground Black Pepper - 1 + 1 tsp
• Garam Masala - 1 tbsp + 1 tsp (Available in Asian store in the Spice section)
  
• Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp
• Chilli Powder - 1 tbsp (optional)
• Salt for taste
• Olive oil -  2 tbsp
• Cilantro for Garnish
  

Procedure:

• Skin the drumsticks and put deep slits on them. Mix a tsp each of Garam Masala,  Black Pepper, Salt, Turmeric Powder and smear it on the drumsticks. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  
• In a pan, warm 1/2 tbsp of oil and sear the chicken in batches until a brown crust is formed on the outside(This keeps the chicken moist n juicy on the inside).
  

• In a pan, heat a little oil and fry the onions, tomato, garlic, ginger, tomatoes and fry until the onions are browned. Grind to a paste in a blender with little water.
• In the same pan, transfer the chicken and pour the ground paste, add little water, spices and salt. Bring it to a boil for 20-25minutes with the lid closed.
  
• Once the gravy thickens, add the walnut and cook for a couple more minutes.
• Garnish with Cilantro and serve hot with choice of bread, roti or rice.

Makes 3-4 servings.

Enjoy!