Clearly I’m the last person in the world to want or think about dieting, or restricting my eating habits in any way, (we all saw what went on over Valentine’s Day at our house) so I don’t even want to put this label out there. But here goes: this “chicken divan” is paleo.
Let me explain myself for a moment here: this recipe was shared with me by my future SIL, H, who has been on a month-long kick to figure out what has been ailing her stomach. Turns out, it’s probably dairy. Turns out, that really, really stinks. To make up for it, I’m on a mission to consume all the ice cream she can’t. You’re welcome, H. Don’t mention it.
Also: this recipe is actually all sorts of delicious.
Chicken Divan*
(*sort of)
- 2 cups raw cashews
- olive oil, ghee or, (gasp) butter
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cubed
- 3-4 heads broccoli, chopped into florets
- 2-3 cloves garlic
- 1 white or yellow onion, diced
- 1-2 cups chicken stock
- salt, pepper
- large handful curry powder
- small handful ground coriander
- Soak your cashews – either by placing them in a bowl of water overnight (which takes forethought and planning, which I didn’t have) or by placing them in a sauce pan with about 3 cups of water, bringing to a boil, and then turning off the heat, leaving them to soak for about an water.
- Heat a deep skillet, add olive oil or butter to the pan. Season your chicken liberally with salt and pepper and then add it to the pan and cook until it turns golden brown. Put the broccoli over the chicken and cover the pan, allowing the steam to cook the broccoli.
- While all that cooks away, drain the cashews and add them to your food processor, along with the garlic, onion, salt, pepper, coriander, and curry. Pulse a few times, and then slowly add the chicken stock, turning the food processor on all the way. Add stock until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Pour the cashew sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture and give it a good toss, making to sure to coat the whole thing. Give it a moment or two to cook down (the raw garlic, in particular!), and then serve…with couscous.
The Verdict:
As you’ll note if you check out the original recipe and what I describe above, I doubled the sauce and the broccoli (not the chicken) and found this is more than enough to feed 2 people, with LOTS of leftovers. We’re making up for Vday, after all. Have no fear though: this is actually really good and makes you feel sort of virtuous at the same time. Pass the couscous, though.
DINNER CHEZ NOUS 