Recipe & Video Circassian Chicken (a.k.a Çerkez Tavuğu)

[Hungry Man]

Circassian Chicken

View: https://youtu.be/wQDjqsDGZIs


Ingredients:

• 1 kg boned chicken thighs and breast
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup walnuts
• 2 tbsp chili paste
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp clarified butter
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 lemon
• 1 onion

Instructions:

1. Start boiling the chicken in a large pot and add 2 tsp salt,
2. Add the onion and the lemon to neutralize the smell and enhance the flavor
3. Close the lid, bring to low heat and let it cook for at least 30 minutes
4. In a separate pot, add 2 cups of water and warm up the water on low heat
5. Once the water is warm, add 1 cup of cornmeal
6. Cook for 5 minutes and stir constantly to combine and set aside once mushy to cool down
7. Add the walnuts to food processor and process until it’s finely chopped
8. Add the coriander seeds, the dried basil, black pepper, garlic powder and 2 tsp salt
9. Grind until the walnuts and the spices are mixed and have almost a paste like texture
10. Add the tomato paste and the chili paste and continue grinding
11. Once the chicken is cooked, de-bone and shred the chicken
12. Transfer the shredded chicken in a large plate and set aside the chicken broth
13. Add the spicy paste and the cornmeal paste into a mixing bowl
14. Gradually add 2 cups of chicken broth and mix it until combined
15. Once it’s combined and smooth, pour the mixture over the shredded chicken
16. In a sauce pan, melt 2 tbsp clarified butter and mix with 1 tsp chili flakes
17. Pour the melted butter over and let it rest until it’s cooled down
18. Garnish with crushed walnuts and chopped parsley and serve

 

[Morning Glory]

Fascinating. I'd heard of this dish before but never looked up the recipe. Its an interesting dish.

 

[Hungry Man]

Fascinating. I'd heard of this dish before but never looked up the recipe. Its an interesting dish.

This is the original & traditional version of this recipe and is not widely known even in Turkey. You may see some differences in recipes of the modern version (made with breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal).
I suggest you to also try the spicy walnut paste is called Acuka / Ajika (steps below) which is an amazing dip / spread, pairs excellent with bread and butter!

1. Add the walnuts to food processor and process until it’s finely chopped
2. Add the coriander seeds, the dried basil, black pepper, garlic powder and 2 tsp salt
3. Grind until the walnuts and the spices are mixed and have almost a paste like texture
4. Add the tomato paste and the chili paste and continue grinding