Canary Island Walnut Chicken Fricassee

I sampled this dish in a small village in the Canary Islands (Spain) and truly enjoyed all the different flavors. I especially loved the almonds that mark this dish, which harkens to medieval Spanish cuisine.

• 1 whole large roasting chicken, cut up in parts
•   3 tablespoons of olive oil
•   2 medium onions, chopped
•   8oz mushrooms, chopped (optional)

•   1 cup almonds (first sautéed in garlic and olive oil)
•   2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
•   1/4 cup Sherry wine
•   Salt and pepper to taste
•   2 egg yolks, hard-boiled
•   1/4 teaspoon saffron, diluted & crushed in 1 cup of chicken broth
•   1/2 cup dry white wine
•   1 cup chicken broth
•   2 carrots chopped
•   2 slices cured Spanish ham (Jamon Serrano), chopped
•   A handful of parsley, chopped (for garnish)
•   Slivered almonds (for garnish)

1. Brown the chicken pieces with the onions in olive oil, in large hot skillet.
2. Remove the chicken and onion, transfer to VitaClay® Pot.
3. Meanwhile, sauté the almonds and garlic in a little olive oil, then remove and grind into a paste using the food processor with all other ingredients, except parsley, chopped ham and slivered almonds.  Add entire mixture to the pot. Mix well.
4. Cover and cook on the “Stew”setting for about 2 hours or until chicken is tender.
5. Finally, add the chopped ham to the pot and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
6. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and some slivered almonds and serve with saffron rice.

Makes 6 servings. 

Health Note:

Almonds can be part of a healthy diet.  Although they are high in fat. Studies have shown that people who eat nuts on a regular basis have a lower risk of heart attack or death from coronary artery disease. 

Almonds also contain significant amounts of fiber, vitamin E, folate, calcium and other vitamins and minerals.