Kaju Masala Recipe: Cashew Curry, a delectable vegetarian Punjabi dish, features roasted cashew nuts cooked in a rich and creamy sauce infused with tomatoes, onions, and aromatic spices. This restaurant-style curry is perfect for festive occasions such as Diwali and Holi, as well as for celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. The secret to its restaurant-like taste and vibrant color lies in the addition of Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and cinnamon, without the need for artificial food coloring. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create a luscious red gravy with grated beetroot for added depth.
Ingredients: Kaju Masala Recipe
- 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 a darker red 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 tbsp chopped Coriander Leaves, for garnishing
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- Salt to taste
Directions: Kaju Masala Recipe
- Step 1: Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a non-stick kadai or a heavy-bottomed pan. Add cashew nuts.
- Step 2: Roast them over medium-low flame for approximately 6-7 minutes until they turn light brown. Stir continuously to ensure even roasting and prevent burning. Transfer them to a plate.
- Step 3: In the same kadai, heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium flame. Add a piece of cinnamon, chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and green chili.
- Step 4: Sauté until the onion turns translucent. Turn off the flame and allow the mixture to cool for a while.
- Step 5: While the mixture is cooling, let’s prepare the cashew-tomato puree. Add 2 tbsp (approximately 6-8 whole nuts) of roasted cashew nuts to the small jar of a mixer grinder. Grind until a smooth powder forms.
- Step 6: Add chopped tomato to the jar.
- Step 7: Grind until smooth to make cashew-tomato puree. Transfer it to a small bowl, scraping the sides with a spatula.
- Step 8: Add the sautéed onion mixture to the same jar.
- Step 9: Grind until a smooth paste forms.
- Step 10: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the same kadai (use 2 tablespoons of oil if not using a non-stick kadai to prevent sticking). Add the onion paste and grated beetroot.
- Step 11: Sauté until the oil starts to separate, approximately 3 minutes.
- Step 12: Add the cashew-tomato puree, red chili powder, cumin-coriander powder, a pinch of turmeric powder, and salt.
- Step 13: Mix well and sauté until the oil starts to separate, around 3-4 minutes.
- Step 14: Add the roasted cashew nuts. Mix well and cook for a minute.
- Step 15: Add 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of water.
- Step 16: Mix well and cook covered for Three mins to prevent splattering.
- Step 17: Remove the lid, mix well, and cook uncovered until the gravy thickens slightly. Add kasuri methi and chopped coriander leaves.
- Step 18: Mix well and turn off the flame. Kaju Curry is now ready to serve.
Tips and Variations: Kaju Masala Recipe
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add more red chili powder.
- For a more aromatic flavor, add a pinch of cardamom powder in step 17.
- For variation, add shallow-fried capsicum or green beans along with roasted cashew nuts in step 14.
Taste: Mildly spicy with a creamy gravy.
Serving suggestion: Pair Kaju Curry with Garlic Naan or Punjabi Kulcha and lassi for lunch or dinner.
Conclusion:
Kaju Masala Recipe is a delectable and versatile dish suitable for various occasions. Its creamy texture, rich flavor, and aromatic spices make it a favorite among both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. By following this step-by-step recipe and incorporating the provided tips and variations, you can easily recreate the restaurant-style taste of Cashew Curry at home. Enjoy this flavorful dish with your loved ones and elevate your dining experience!
FAQs about Kaju Masala Recipe
What is Cashew Curry?
Cashew Curry is a vegetarian Punjabi dish featuring roasted cashew nuts cooked in a rich and creamy sauce infused with tomatoes, onions, and aromatic spices. It is a popular restaurant-style curry often served during festive occasions and special celebrations.
What makes Cashew Curry restaurant-style?
The restaurant-like taste and vibrant color of Cashew Curry are achieved by the addition of Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and cinnamon. These ingredients enhance the flavor profile and give the curry its signature richness without the need for artificial food coloring.
Can I customize the spiciness of Cashew Curry?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of Cashew Curry according to your preference. If you prefer a spicier flavor, simply add more red chili powder during the cooking process.
Are there any variations to Cashew Curry?
Yes, you can customize Cashew Curry by adding additional ingredients such as shallow-fried capsicum or green beans along with roasted cashew nuts. These variations can add depth and complexity to the dish according to your taste preferences.
How should I serve Cashew Curry?
Cashew Curry pairs well with Garlic Naan or Punjabi Kulcha. You can also serve it with rice or roti for a wholesome meal. To complement the flavors, consider serving lassi or a refreshing beverage alongside the curry.
