Çerkez Tavuğu with Walnut Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup (120g) walnuts, finely ground 1 cup (120g) walnuts, finely ground
• 2 slices of stale bread, crust removed 2 slices of stale bread, crust removed
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Chopped parsley, for garnish Chopped parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 22g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 7g (Sugars: 1g)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove from the pot and let it cool.
2. 2.
   Once cooled, shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces using your hands or a fork.
3. 3.
   In a food processor, combine the ground walnuts, bread slices, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Process until you get a smooth paste.
4. 4.
   Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the walnut paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring continuously. Cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. 6.
   Add the shredded chicken to the pan and mix well, ensuring all the chicken pieces are coated with the walnut sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
7. 7.
   Transfer the Çerkez Tavuğu to a serving dish and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and chopped parsley.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle some paprika on top for an extra touch of color.
9. 9.
   Serve warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Walnuts — Make sure to use fresh walnuts and grind them finely for a smooth sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth or add a little more ground walnuts.
• Serve the dish with warm bread or pita for dipping into the creamy walnut sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify.

Serving advice

Çerkez Tavuğu can be served as an appetizer or a main course. It pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Serve it warm or at room temperature to fully appreciate the flavors.

Presentation advice

When serving Çerkez Tavuğu, arrange the shredded chicken in a circular shape on the plate and pour the walnut sauce over it. Drizzle some olive oil on top and sprinkle with chopped parsley and paprika for an attractive presentation.