PISTACHIO-CRUSTED CHICKEN BREAST

Pistachio-Crusted Chicken Breast image

Provided by Marsha Gardner

Categories Beef

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 banana
1/2 mango
1 large egg
4 Tbsp garam masala
1 1/4 lb salted pistachio nuts, shelled, about 2 1/2 cups
kosher salt to taste
4 chicken breast halves, skinless and boneless, split in half, about 3 pounds
1 1/2 c clarified butter
GARAM MASALA
4 Tbsp coriander seed
3 Tbsp cumin seed
2 tsp black pepper corns, whole
3 Tbsp cardamom seed
2 stick cinnamon
1 tsp whole cloves
1/2 nutmeg, freshly grated

Steps:

1. Place the banana, mango and egg in a blender and puree, slowly adding the garam masala. Place the nuts on another plate.
2. Remove from the blender and place the fruit-spice mixture on a plate.
3. Salt the chicken to taste. Dip each piece in the fruit-spice mixture, then press into the nuts.
4. Saute` in the butter until golden, about 12 minutes, turning once. Drain on paper towels and serve.
5. Roast the ingredients, except the nutmeg, one by one in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Allow to cool, then remove and discard the papery shells of the cardamom and place the seeds, with the other ingredients, in a spice grinder or electric blender and pulse to a fine powder. Mix in the grated nutmeg. Can be stored in an airtight jar. Makes about 10 tablespoons.