Circassian-style Chicken

Circassian-style Chicken Recipe from Arabia

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Circassian-style chicken is a traditional dish that originates from the Circassian region in the North Caucasus. This dish features tender chicken in a creamy walnut sauce, flavored with aromatic spices and herbs. It is a dish that is rich in flavor and history, making it a popular choice for special occasions and gatherings.

History

The origins of Circassian-style chicken can be traced back to the Circassian people, who are known for their rich culinary traditions. This dish has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe. The creamy walnut sauce is a signature element of this dish, giving it a luxurious and indulgent flavor.

Ingredients

6 lb (2.72 kg) chicken quarters
2 tsp olive oil
2 small onions, sliced
1 tbsp garlic, peeled and chopped with salt
salt and freshly ground black pepper
pinch of saffron
0.33 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp Near East or aleppo pepper, or more to taste
pinch of ground allspice
2.25 cup (8 oz (227 g)) shelled walnuts
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Red-tinted oil

1 tbsp walnut oil
0.25 tsp Near East or aleppo pepper

How to prepare

Chicken and sauce

Wash the chicken and pat it dry.
Trim off any excess skin and fat.
Heat the oil in a 5 qt (4.73 liter) casserole.
Add the chicken and 2 tsp of the chopped garlic; sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and saffron.
Cover with 1 qt (946 ml) water; simmer until the chicken is tender (slow, gentle cooking helps to keep the chicken intact).
Meanwhile, toast the flour in a 9- or 10-inch heavy nonstick skillet, turning it constantly until it becomes a lovely light beige.
Add the Near East pepper and allspice, and continue stirring over low heat for 30 seconds longer.
Remove from the heat.
Skin, bone, and cut the chicken quarters into smaller serving pieces.
Lightly season with additional salt and black pepper if desired.
Strain the chicken broth and degrease it.
You should have 3.5 cups of broth.
Mix the remaining garlic with 1 cup of the broth and pour it over the chicken to keep it moist.
In a food processor, grind the walnuts and seasoned flour to a smooth paste.
Slowly add 1 cup of the chicken broth and process until smooth.
Then slowly add the remaining broth to make a creamy sauce.
Scrape the sauce into the skillet, set it over medium-low heat, and bring it to a boil.
Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
Drain the chicken pieces and place them in one layer in a 9-by-13-by-2-inch ovenproof serving dish.
Add 1 cup of the walnut sauce and the lemon juice; mix well.
Thin the remaining sauce with water to a napping consistency and correct the seasoning with salt.
Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Let the mixture cool completely, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 2 days before serving.

Red-tinted oil

Gently reheat the cooked chicken in a 350°F (177°C) oven until warm.
Heat the walnut oil in a very small saucepan, add the Near East pepper, and swirl to combine; heat just until it sizzles.
Remove from the heat and allow the pepper to settle.
Dribble the red-tinted oil over the surface of the dish, making decorative swirls.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers.
You can add a touch of heat to the dish by incorporating spicy peppers or chili flakes into the walnut sauce.
To make a lighter version of the dish, you can use skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken quarters.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To achieve tender and flavorful chicken, it is important to simmer the chicken slowly in water with aromatic spices.

- Toasting the flour before adding it to the sauce helps to enhance the nutty flavor of the walnuts.

- Straining the chicken broth and degreasing it ensures a clean and clear sauce.

- Allowing the dish to cool and refrigerate for at least 2 days before serving helps the flavors to meld together and intensify.

Serving Suggestions

Circassian-style chicken is traditionally served as a main dish, accompanied by rice pilaf or flatbread. It can also be served with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow simmering the chicken in water helps to keep it tender and juicy.

- Grinding the walnuts and flour to a smooth paste in a food processor creates a creamy and luxurious sauce.

- Allowing the dish to cool and refrigerate before serving helps to enhance the flavors and textures.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Near East or Aleppo pepper, you can substitute it with paprika or cayenne pepper.

- You can use almonds or cashews instead of walnuts for a different flavor profile.

- Lemon juice can be replaced with vinegar or white wine for a tangy twist.

Make Ahead Tips

Circassian-style chicken can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and intensify, making it a great dish for entertaining or special occasions.

Presentation Ideas

To enhance the presentation of Circassian-style chicken, you can garnish it with chopped parsley, toasted walnuts, or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve it in a decorative serving dish or platter for an elegant and impressive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Circassian-style chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing cucumber mint cooler.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Circassian-style chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave on medium power for a few minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 28g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 32g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 6% DV

- Vitamin C: 2% DV

- Calcium: 4% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains nuts (walnuts)

Summary

Circassian-style chicken is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in protein and healthy fats. It is a great source of essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin E. However, it is important to note that this dish contains nuts, so individuals with nut allergies should avoid it.

Summary

Circassian-style chicken is a flavorful and indulgent dish that is perfect for special occasions and gatherings. With its creamy walnut sauce and tender chicken, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Try this recipe for a taste of the rich culinary traditions of the Circassian people.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a sunny day in the bustling markets of Istanbul, Turkey, where I stumbled upon a small, hidden spice shop tucked away in a narrow alley. The air was filled with the intoxicating aromas of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, and I couldn't help but be drawn in by the enticing scents.

As I browsed the shelves, my eyes landed on a worn, tattered cookbook sitting on a dusty corner. The cover was faded and frayed, but something about it called out to me. I picked it up and flipped through the pages, my fingers tracing the delicate script of recipes written in a language I couldn't quite decipher.

One recipe in particular caught my eye - Circassian-style Chicken. The description painted a picture of a rich, creamy sauce flavored with walnuts, garlic, and spices, poured over tender poached chicken. It sounded like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it.

I purchased the cookbook from the shopkeeper, who smiled warmly as he wrapped it in brown paper and handed it to me. As I walked back to my apartment, I couldn't shake the excitement that bubbled in my chest. I couldn't wait to try my hand at making this exotic dish.

That evening, I poured over the recipe, studying each step carefully. It seemed like a labor of love, with multiple components that needed to be prepared just so. But I was determined to make it work. I gathered the ingredients - chicken, walnuts, garlic, and a myriad of spices - and set to work in my tiny kitchen.

The process was complex, but as I tasted the sauce for the first time, I knew it was worth every minute spent laboring over the stove. The flavors danced on my tongue, a symphony of nuttiness, sweetness, and heat. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family.

When I served the Circassian-style Chicken to my loved ones, their eyes widened in delight as they took their first bite. The dish was a hit, with everyone clamoring for seconds and asking for the recipe. I felt a swell of pride in my chest as I watched them enjoy the fruits of my labor.

From that moment on, Circassian-style Chicken became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions, like birthdays and holidays, and it never failed to impress. Each time I made it, I felt a connection to the distant lands from which the recipe hailed, imagining the bustling markets of Istanbul and the spice-scented air that filled the streets.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who all marveled at its unique flavors and exotic origins. It became a symbol of my love for cooking and my adventurous spirit, a dish that spoke to the wanderlust in my soul.

As I sit here now, flipping through the worn pages of that old cookbook, I can't help but smile at the memories it holds. The moment I found the recipe for Circassian-style Chicken will always be special to me, a reminder of the magic and joy that cooking can bring into our lives. And as I prepare to make it once more for my family, I know that each bite will be filled with love, history, and the taste of faraway lands.