Kaju Masala
Whole roasted cashews simmered in a rich, creamy, and slightly sweet onion-tomato gravy. This restaurant-style North Indian curry is a luxurious treat, perfect for special occasions and pairs wonderfully with naan or jeera rice.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Cashews
- Place 1/4 cup of cashews in a small bowl and cover with 1/2 cup of hot water. Let them soak for at least 20 minutes. These will be used for the gravy paste.
- While the cashews soak, heat 2 tbsp of ghee in a kadai or pan over medium heat. Add the remaining 1 cup of whole cashews.
- Shallow-fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until they turn a light golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
Create the Gravy Base
- In the same pan with the remaining ghee, add the chopped onions, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and become soft and mushy.
- Turn off the heat and allow this mixture to cool down completely. This may take 15-20 minutes.
Blend the Paste
- Transfer the cooled onion-tomato mixture to a high-speed blender.
- Drain the soaked 1/4 cup of cashews and add them to the blender.
- Blend until you have a completely smooth, velvety paste. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water if needed to facilitate blending.
Cook the Curry
- Heat the remaining 2 tbsp of ghee in the same kadai over medium heat. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and green cardamom pods. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until they become fragrant.
- Carefully pour the blended paste into the kadai. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the paste thickens, darkens slightly, and starts to release ghee from the sides.
- Add the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix well and cook for another minute until the raw smell of the spices disappears.
Finish and Garnish
- Pour in 1 cup of water, add the salt and sugar. Stir well to combine, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and the fried cashews. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Do not boil vigorously after adding the cream to prevent it from splitting.
- Crush the kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it over the curry, followed by the garam masala. Stir gently to combine.
- Turn off the heat, garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves, and serve hot with naan, roti, or jeera rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the creamiest gravy, use a high-speed blender and blend the paste until it's completely smooth and silky.
- 2Use ripe, red tomatoes for a naturally vibrant color and sweeter taste.
- 3Do not over-fry the cashews; they should be just light golden. They continue to cook slightly after being removed from the heat.
- 4Always add cream on low heat and avoid boiling the curry afterward to maintain a smooth, rich texture.
- 5The gravy thickens as it cools. Adjust with a splash of hot water to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan Kaju Masala
Replace ghee with a neutral oil like sunflower or avocado oil. Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream or a paste of soaked cashews and water for a dairy-free version.
Kaju Paneer MasalaKaju Paneer Masala
Add 200 grams of cubed paneer along with the fried cashews in the final step for a heartier dish.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Sauté 1-2 slit green chilies along with the onions for an extra kick of heat.
Shahi Kaju MasalaShahi Kaju Masala
Add 1 tablespoon of melon seeds (magaz) along with the cashews for soaking to make the gravy even richer and more authentic to the 'shahi' style.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Healthy Fats
Cashews are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help in managing cholesterol levels when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Rich in Essential Minerals
This dish provides important minerals like magnesium, copper, and manganese from cashews, which play vital roles in bone health, energy production, and antioxidant defense.
Provides Antioxidants
The use of tomatoes provides lycopene, while spices like turmeric and ginger offer potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that help protect the body from cellular damage.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Kaju Masala contains approximately 450-550 calories, primarily from the cashews, ghee, and cream. The exact count can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used.