Kaju Curry Recipe is a delectable vegetarian Punjabi curry, featuring roasted cashew nuts cooked in a rich and creamy sauce made from tomatoes, onions, and spices. This restaurant-style dish is perfect for festive occasions like Diwali and Holi, as well as special events such as birthdays and anniversaries. The smooth and creamy gravy, reminiscent of paneer butter masala, is enhanced with the flavors of kasuri methi and cinnamon, resulting in a deep luscious red color without the need for artificial food coloring.
Kaju Curry Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 cup Cashew Nuts (halved, broken, or whole)
- 1 large Onion, chopped (approximately 1/2 cup)
- 2 large Tomatoes, chopped (approximately 3/4 cup)
- 1-inch piece of Cinnamon
- 1-2 small cloves of Garlic, chopped
- 1/2-inch piece of Ginger, chopped
- 1 Green Chili, chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated Beetroot (optional, for color)
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin-Coriander Powder (optional)
- A pinch of Turmeric Powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup Milk (or water)
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/2 tbsp Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves, optional)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped Coriander Leaves (for garnishing)
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- Salt to taste
Kaju Curry Recipe Directions:
Step 1: Roasting Cashew Nuts
- Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a non-stick kadahi or heavy-based pan. Add cashew nuts.
- Roast them over medium-low flame for 6-7 minutes until they turn light brown. Stir continuously to ensure even roasting. Transfer to a plate.
Step 2: Preparing Onion Mixture
- In the same kadahi, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium flame. Add cinnamon, chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and green chili.
- Sauté until onion turns translucent. Turn off the flame and let the mixture cool.
Step 3: Making Cashew-Tomato Puree
- While the mixture cools, make cashew-tomato puree. Grind 2 tablespoons roasted cashew nuts to a smooth powder.
- Add chopped tomato and grind until smooth. Transfer to a bowl.
- Grind sautéed onion mixture into a smooth paste.
Step 4: Cooking Kaju Curry
- Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the kadahi. Add onion paste and grated beetroot. Sauté until oil separates.
- Add cashew-tomato puree, red chili powder, cumin-coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Sauté until oil separates.
- Add roasted cashew nuts. Mix and cook for a minute.
- Pour in milk and water. Mix well, cover, and cook for 3 minutes.
- Uncover, cook until the gravy thickens slightly. Add chopped coriander leaves and kasuri methi.
- Mix well, turn off the flame, and serve.
Kaju Curry Recipe Tips and Variations:
- Adjust spice level by adding more red chili powder for a spicier curry.
- Enhance aroma by adding a pinch of cardamom powder in the final cooking stage.
- Experiment with additional ingredients like shallow-fried capsicum or green beans for a variation.
Taste: Mildly spicy with creamy gravy.
Serving Ideas: Enjoy Kaju Curry with garlic naan or Punjabi kulcha, paired with lassi for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Conclusion:
Kaju Curry Recipe is a delightful dish that offers a blend of rich flavors and creamy texture, making it a favorite among both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. With its versatility and ease of preparation, it is a perfect choice for special occasions and festive celebrations. By following simple steps and adding personal touches, anyone can create a delicious Kaju Curry that will impress family and friends alike.
FAQs about Kaju Curry Recipe
What is Kaju Curry?
Kaju Curry is a flavorful vegetarian Punjabi curry made with roasted cashew nuts cooked in a rich and creamy sauce. It features a combination of tomatoes, onions, and spices, creating a delicious gravy that is perfect for special occasions and festivals.
How is Kaju Curry prepared?
To prepare Kaju Curry, cashew nuts are first roasted until they turn light brown. Then, a mixture of onions, garlic, ginger, and green chili is sautéed until translucent. Next, a smooth puree is made using tomatoes and the sautéed onion mixture. This puree is combined with spices like red chili powder, cumin-coriander powder, and turmeric, along with roasted cashew nuts. The curry is cooked until the flavors meld together, and kasuri methi and coriander leaves are added for garnish.
What gives Kaju Curry its rich flavor and color?
The rich flavor of Kaju Curry comes from the combination of spices like cinnamon, garlic, ginger, and green chili, along with the creaminess of cashew nuts. Additionally, grated beetroot can be added to enhance the color of the gravy, giving it a deep luscious red hue without the need for artificial food coloring.
Can Kaju Curry be customized according to taste preferences?
Yes, Kaju Curry can be customized based on individual taste preferences. For those who prefer a spicier curry, more red chili powder can be added. To enhance the aroma, a pinch of cardamom powder can be included during the cooking process. Additionally, ingredients like shallow-fried capsicum or green beans can be added for variation.
What are some serving suggestions for Kaju Curry?
Kaju Curry pairs well with garlic naan or Punjabi kulcha. It can also be enjoyed with steamed rice or jeera rice. To complete the meal, serve Kaju Curry with a refreshing beverage like lassi.
