Chicken Basil Cashew

I think I mentioned before, that I had been introduced to Thai food and then suddenly the local restaurant closed. Still so sad. Well I decided to attempt to make another dish we ordered there. They use to make a Chicken Basil Cashew. It was incredible!!!! It had thinly sliced chicken, green beans, lots of basil and cashews. The sauce has an incredible Thai flavor. I am sure my recipe is less than authentic but it sure fixes the Thai craving. I used regular basil, many recipes I saw recommend thai or holy basil. Those varieties are hard to find in my area. I started with finely minced garlic and jalapeno, it is really almost a paste. You can adjust the heat level by adding more jalapeno if you like really spicy foods. I have made it three times now and I like the heat from a serrano more than the jalapeno. I have used both fresh and frozen green beans both are great. So next time you see basil grab it! This is a perfectly great use of the herb.

Chicken Basil Cashew

Serves 2  to 4

Ingredients

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 jalapeno or serrano chili, seeded and thinly sliced crosswise

4 tsp canola oil

2 boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced

2 cup fresh green beans

2 teaspoon fish sauce

2 teaspoon soy sauce

2 teaspoon brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 cup fresh basil, loosely packed

Cashews, for a garnish

1 cup long grain white rice, prepared per package directions

Directions

Minced together garlic and chiles using a large knife, smear with the side of the knife to paste it a little. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until garlic is just golden, about 20 seconds. Add chicken; cook, stirring often, until chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes. Add green beans and continue to cook another minute. Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and pepper. Add basil; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Season with more pepper, if desired. Serve over rice. Garnish with basil and cashews.

Linking to:
See Ya in the Gumbo
The Tumbleweed Contessa: Spicy! Saturday Dishes Linky Party
                                       Chicken - Saturday Dishes Linky Party
Carole's Chatter: Food on Friday - Thai Food