Chicken Simmered in Spiced Yogurt

• HEALTHY
• MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

1. 1/2 cup roasted cashews, coarsely chopped
2. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3. 6 cardamom pods
4. 1 cinnamon stick, broken
5. 1 bay leaf
6. 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
7. 2 tablespoons Ginger Paste
8. 2 tablespoons Garlic Paste
9. 1/2 cup Onion Paste
10. 1 long hot green chile, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice
11. 1 medium tomato, coarsely chopped
12. 4 whole chicken legs, separated into drumsticks and thighs and skinned
13. 2 teaspoons garam masala
14. 1/8 teaspoon saffron threads
15. Salt and freshly ground pepper
16. 2 cups plain low-fat yogurt

1. In a mini food processor, finely grind the cashews. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf and peppercorns and cook over moderate heat until sizzling, about 2 minutes. Add the Ginger Paste and Garlic Paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the Onion Paste, green chile and cashews and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato and cook until the liquid evaporates, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken, garam masala and saffron and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until fragrant and the chicken turns white, about 3 minutes. Add the yogurt and bring to a simmer, then cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, about 50 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve.