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Xinxim (Brazilian Chicken and Crayfish in Peanut Sauce)

Xinxim (Brazilian Chicken and Crayfish in Peanut Sauce) is a traditional Brazilian recipe for a classic spicy stew of chicken and crayfish in a cream and peanut butter gravy. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Brazilian version of: Brazilian Chicken and Crayfish in Peanut Sauce (Xinxim).

prep time

20 minutes

cook time

70 minutes

Total Time:

90 minutes

Serves:

4

Rating: 4.5 star rating

Tags : CurryChilli RecipesChicken RecipesBrazil Recipes


This is a classic Brazilian dish, similar in many ways to West African peanut soups (but with less chilli). I’ve heard it termed a ‘South American curry’ and it was supposedly Pele’s favourite dish. You can use chicken breasts or thighs in this recipe. I think that thighs are juicier and have more flavour, so I have used them.

Ingredients:

8 chicken thighs, skinless & boneless
100g crayfish tails
1 small diced onion
1 clove fresh garlic
30g butter
1 tbsp chilli puree (use hot or milder chillies, according to preference)
50ml lemon juice
25ml lime juice
350ml whipping cream
100ml water
1 fish stock cube
227g peanut butter
Salt to taste
Cracked black pepper to taste
3 tbsp unrefined palm oil
Watercress to garnish

Method:

Combine the butter and oil in a cocotte (large, flat cast iron casserole) over medium heat. When the butter starts to foam use to fry the chicken until nicely coloured on all sides. Remove the meat with a pair of tongs and set aside.

Pre-heat your oven to 150°C.

Add the onion, garlic and chilli paste and fry for about 4-5 minutes until soft but not coloured. Now stir in the lemon and lime juice, whipping cream, water and peanut butter. Stir until smooth and well combined then cut the chicken into strips and add to the sauce.

Now add in the crayfish, cover with a lid and transfer to the centre of your pre-heated oven. Cook for 1 hour until the sauce is lightly thickened and the chicken is cooked through.

Garnish with watercress and serve accompanied by white rice. You can also additionally serve accompanied by fried plantain and coconut farofa.