A Southwest Missouri/Southeast Kansas Secret

There is a Chinese phenomenon in southwest Missouri/southeast Kansas

called

"Cashew Chicken"

Started some 50 years ago by Leong

at his diner in Springfield, Missouri

The story on the menu doesn't tell the whole story

It seemed that after Leong opened his restaurant in Springfield

that there were few customers.

He realized that the people of Springfield weren't familiar with Chinese food

But they did eat fried chicken

and mashed potatoes and gravy.

He therefore created a dish that he called

"Cashew Chicken"

Chicken, deep fried

with "gravy" poured over all and cashews and green onions sprinkled on top.

His dish proved popular, the restaurant succeeded

And the dish spread not only throughout the Chinese restaurants in Springfield, Mo

but into other towns in Southwest Missouri

and soon spilled into Southeast Kansas.

Sometimes it is referred to as "Springfield" Cashew Chicken

to differentiate it from real cashew chicken.

Folks from other places who come to Springfield and order "Cashew Chicken" get quite a surprise with the dish they are served.

On the other hand,

we SW Missourians/ SE Kansans

who go out of the area and order Cashew Chicken

get quite a different dish than the one they are used to.

And even though other restaurants in the area serve Cashew Chicken

None really compare to Leong's -- the original!

Long ago, I was given the recipe for Leong's Cashew Chicken

I've never made it --

Preferring to eat my Cashew Chicken out!

LEONG'S CASHEW CHICKEN

6 boned chicken breasts, cut in pieces

1 egg

2 T. water

flour

peanut oil

vegetable oil

1 C. chopped green onions

3 c. cooked rice

1 7 oz. package cashews, chopped

Sauce:

6 chicken bouillon cubes

3 C. water

4 T. cornstarch

2 t. oyster sauce

dash pepper

Beat egg with 2 T. water.    Dip chicken in egg miture and roll in flour.    Deep fry in equal parts of peanut oil and vegetable oil.   Fry till brown.

Mix ingredients together for sauce.    Cook until the sauce is heated through.

Cook rice and drain.    Serve chicken on top of rice and cover with the sauce.    Top with crushed onions and cashews.   Serve 4.

I got this recipe from friend Janet who got it from friend Anna who got it from Leong himself!

It's Tuesday and I'm sharing Springfield Cashew Chicken with Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday.