Goan Chicken Cafreal with Cashews

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant chicken curry with cashew cream and Goan spices, simmered to perfection for rice. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs soaked and ground into paste Cashews, medium, finely chopped Onion, medium, chopped Tomato for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add 2 medium finely chopped onions and cook for 7 minutes until golden.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until they break down and oil separates.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon coriander, cooking for 1 minute until spices are aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Add 500 grams diced chicken and cook for 5 minutes until lightly browned.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup cashew paste and 1/2 cup coconut milk, bringing to a simmer.
  7. Step 7: Cover and cook for 20 minutes until chicken is tender, then season with salt and serve with rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Goan Chicken Cafreal with Cashews take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Goan Chicken Cafreal with Cashews?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium, finely chopped onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Goan Chicken Cafreal with Cashews?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Goan Chicken Cafreal with Cashews for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Goan Chicken Cafreal with Cashews?

Indian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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