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

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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.

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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