Introduction :
Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, spices, and aromas that never cease to amaze food enthusiasts worldwide. Among its many culinary gems, Kaju Masala stands out as a rich and indulgent dish that combines the creamy goodness of cashews with a tantalizing blend of spices. In this user-friendly article, we will take you on a culinary journey to discover the secrets of preparing this mouthwatering Kaju Masala recipe. So, put on your apron and get ready to delight your taste buds!
Kaju Masala Recipe :
The Origins of Kaju Masala
Kaju Masala, also known as Cashew Masala, is a North Indian dish that has earned its place as a beloved vegetarian delicacy. With roots in the heartland of Indian cuisine, this dish has become a staple in restaurants and homes alike. Its rich, creamy gravy and the crunch of cashews make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients You Will Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to create a sumptuous Kaju Masala:
For the Gravy:
1. 2 large onions, finely chopped
2. 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
3. 1/2 cup yogurt
4. 1/4 cup fresh cream
5. 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
6. 2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
7. 1 tsp turmeric powder
8. 1 tsp coriander powder
9. 1 tsp cumin powder
10. Salt to taste
11. 3-4 tbsp cooking oil or ghee (clarified butter)
For the Cashew (Kaju) Portion:
1. 1 cup cashews, soaked in warm water for 30 minutes
2. 2 tbsp oil or ghee for frying cashews
3. A pinch of salt
For Tempering:
1. 1 tsp cumin seeds
2. 2-3 green chilies, slit
3. A handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Cooking Method
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s proceed with the step-by-step cooking process:
Step 1: Frying the Cashews
1. Heat 2 tbsp of oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the soaked cashews and a pinch of salt.
3. Stir and fry the cashews until they turn golden brown. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Remove the fried cashews from the pan and set them aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Gravy
1. In the same pan, add 3-4 tbsp of oil or ghee.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Cook the finely chopped onions until they become translucent.
4. “Gently incorporate the ginger-garlic paste and continue cooking until the raw aroma dissipates.”
5. Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate.
6. Now, add the dry spice powders – red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Sauté for a few minutes until the spices are well-incorporated.
7. Reduce the heat to low, and gently whisk in the yogurt to avoid curdling.
8. Continue to cook for a few more minutes until the oil begins to surface again.
9. Pour in the fresh cream and mix well.
10. Add salt to taste and adjust the spice level by adding more red chili powder if needed.
Step 3: Combining the Cashews
1. Gently add the fried cashews into the creamy gravy.
2. Let them simmer in the gravy for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the cashews to soak in the flavors.
3. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 4: Tempering and Garnishing
1. In a separate small pan, heat a tablespoon of oil or ghee for tempering.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add slit green chilies and sauté briefly.
4. Pour this tempering over the Kaju Masala.
5. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Serving Your Kaju Masala
Your delightful Kaju Masala is now ready to be savoured! Serve it hot with steamed rice, naan, or roti for a wholesome and satisfying meal. The creamy, nutty richness of the cashews combined with the aromatic spices will leave your taste buds longing for more.
Conclusion
Kaju Masala is a testament to the diverse and delectable offerings of Indian cuisine. Its velvety gravy and crunchy cashews make it a delightful dish that can be enjoyed on special occasions or as a comforting family dinner. With this user-friendly recipe, you can bring the authentic flavors of North India right to your kitchen. So, go ahead, whip up a batch of Kaju Masala, and relish the magic of Indian flavours at home!