Cashew/Coconut Chicken

This is an unctuous version of a baseline version of a chicken curry - the cashews and coconut milk add a level of creaminess and sweetness to the curry that harmonizes well with the rest of the spices. I've gotten to a place where I can pretty much whip this one up without really thinking too much about it, which is particularly helpful when I have to make a bunch of other things, and don't want to have to worry about (at least) this one. 

Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan, and brown 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, or otherwise). Once they are browned, move the thighs and liquid to a separate plate, and wipe off the pan.

Now, heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan on medium high heat, and add 1 tsp fennel seeds and 1 tsp cumin seeds. 

Wait till they start sputtering, and add in 1 medium onion diced, and 1 thai chili split down the middle. 

Stir somewhat frequently till the onions are translucent/browned.

Grind up  1 tsp coriander seeds and 1 tsp cumin seeds, and add to the pan, along with 1/4 tsp turmeric, and 1/2 tsp chili powder.

Stir all of this for about 20 seconds (make sure that it doesn't burn - you might need to turn down the heat!)

Add in 4 tbsp tomato paste, and mix well. 

Stir for another 30 seconds or so, again, watching to ensure that it doesn't burn.

Add the reserved chicken/liquid back into the pan, along with 500ml coconut milk and salt to taste. Note that you might need to adjust the amount of milk depending on how much gravy you want with the chicken!

Bring to a light simmer, and let it be for around 20 minutes or so till the chicken is fully cooked and starting to auto-shred.

Finally, stir in 3 tbsp cashew butter - if you'd like, you can make it yourself by grinding up roasted/unsalted cashews till, well, it turns into "cashew butter"!

If you have a pressure-cooker, you can do all of this in it - just cook under high-pressure for around 15 minutes or so.

Before serving, mix in  3 tbsp cilantro, chopped.

Serve on rice (or pasta! seriously!), and serve with an acidic wine (bubbles go best with this!)