Chinese Cashew Chicken

Chinese Cashew Chicken

It is fascinating how the healing power of food is so prevalent in Asian culture. They put a great deal of thought into how to balance their bodies and there seems to be a recipe to suit all ailments and conditions. The amount of thougt and effort they put into drawing out the best parts the ingredients is really inspiring.

This recipe is great for growing bodies, sweet and full of flavour.

Cashews are a delicious creamy source of protein, as well as being packed full of healthy monounsaturated fats. They are rich in minerals such as copper, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc important for many different processes throughout the body. Garlic and spring onions possess brilliant natural anti-bacterial properties and this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Serves 4

10 minutes prep time

2 chicken breasts cut into mouth-sized pieces - approx 2-3 cms

1 tablespoon oil

2 tablespoon Tamari (or soy if gluten tolerant)

2 tablespoon honey

2 cm ginger finely chopped

2 garlic cloves finely chopped

30g cashew nuts

A handful Coriander - optional

1 Chilli – finely sliced - optional

Spring onions – finely chopped – optional

Method

Place the cashew nuts on a baking sheet and put in the a preheated oven (at 200 degrees). After about 8 minutes check to see if they have taken on colour and have a nutty smell. If they aren’t quite ready put back in the oven for a couple of minutes.

Whilst the nuts are cooking mix the chicken pieces with the soy, honey, ginger and garlic in a bowl. Put the oil in a wok or non-stick frying pan and bring to a medium heat. Add the chicken to the pan - due to the honey and soy it should take on a deep caramel colour as it cooks however take care not to let it burn so keep stirring from time to time. Depending on the size of your pieces it should only take about 5 ish minutes to cook through.

Take off the heat and stir the cashew nut through the pan.

For stronger flavours, add in the chilli, coriander leaves, spring onions at the end of cooking. This works wonderfully with egg fried brown rice.

For full recipe and more photos go to Chinese Cashew Chicken