Xinxim de Galinha
We debated whether to simmer or boil the coconut milk for this dish, fearing flavor loss or curdling. We ended up adding it at room temperature, with great results.
Recipe information
Total Time
1 3/4 hr
Yield
Makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
Special Equipment
Preparation
Step 1
Whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, half of garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat, then marinate, chilled, 30 minutes.
Step 2
Whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lime juice, remaining garlic, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper in another bowl. Add peeled shrimp and toss to coat, then marinate, covered and chilled, until ready to use (not more than 1 hour).
Step 3
Meanwhile, grind dried shrimp in grinder until very fluffy, about 1 minute. Pulse peanuts and cashews separately, in small batches, in a food processor, until finely ground (do not grind to a paste).
Step 4
Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry. Heat remaining tablespoon olive oil in a 5- to 6-quart wide heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then, starting skin sides down, brown chicken, in batches if necessary, turning over once, about 6 minutes total per batch, transferring to a large plate. Add onions and bell pepper to pot and sauté, stirring occasionally and scraping up brown bits (from chicken), until onions are golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Add tomatoes and malagueta peppers or Thai chiles and cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes begin to break down, about 3 minutes. Stir in stock and bring to a simmer. Add chicken, along with juices accumulated on plate, and simmer, covered, until chicken is cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes.
Step 5
Stir in ground shrimp and ground nuts and return to a simmer. Toss marinated shrimp with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and add to stew along with marinade. Simmer until shrimp are just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 6
Stir in coconut milk, cilantro, remaining tablespoon lime juice, and dendê oil (if using).
Step 7
*Available at Asian markets.
Step 8
**Available at some Latino markets.
Step 9
***Available at some Lantino markets and sendexnet.com.
