Cashews are a beloved ingredient in Indian cuisine, prized for their rich, buttery texture and subtle sweetness. When combined with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, cashews transform simple dishes into flavorful feasts.
Whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your everyday meals or impress guests with a delightful blend of textures and tastes, cashew veg recipes offer a perfect solution. These dishes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrition, making them a wholesome choice for vegetarians and health-conscious food lovers alike.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular and easy-to-make Indian cashew vegetable recipes. From hearty curries to crunchy stir-fries, these recipes highlight the versatility of cashews and the vibrant flavors of Indian spices.
So grab your apron and get ready to indulge in a symphony of taste and aroma that only Indian cashew veg recipes can deliver!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cashew veg recipes in Indian cuisine combine the creamy richness of cashews with fresh, colorful vegetables and bold spices. They are:
- Rich and Creamy: Cashews add a luxurious texture that elevates even the simplest vegetable dishes.
- Nutritious: Loaded with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins, these recipes are as wholesome as they are tasty.
- Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, festive occasions, or even as a side dish.
- Flavorful: Indian spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala bring depth and warmth to every bite.
- Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly: Easily adaptable to suit your dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashew nuts (raw or roasted)
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or mustard oil)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, slit (optional)
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed or finely chopped
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, bell peppers)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
- Optional: 1/4 cup cream or coconut milk for extra richness
Equipment
- Non-stick or heavy-bottomed pan
- Blender or food processor (for pureeing tomatoes and cashews)
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving bowl or plate
Instructions
- Soak the cashews: Place the cashew nuts in warm water and soak for 15-20 minutes. This softens them for blending.
- Prepare the cashew paste: Drain the soaked cashews and blend them with 2-3 tablespoons of water into a smooth paste. Set aside.
- Heat oil and temper spices: In a pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Sauté aromatics: Add chopped onions, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until onions turn golden brown.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Mix in pureed or chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until oil separates from the masala.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
- Incorporate cashew paste: Add the cashew paste to the pan and mix well. Pour in water to adjust the consistency.
- Simmer: Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes on low heat until vegetables are tender and the gravy thickens.
- Finish with garam masala: Stir in garam masala and cook for another 2 minutes. Optionally, add cream or coconut milk for extra richness.
- Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with rice, roti, or naan.
Tips & Variations
For a nuttier flavor, lightly roast the cashews before soaking and blending.
Try adding paneer cubes or tofu for extra protein.
Use seasonal vegetables like spinach, cauliflower, or zucchini to vary the dish throughout the year.
If you prefer a thinner gravy, add more water or vegetable broth during cooking.
For a vegan version, replace cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 250 kcal |
Protein | 6 g |
Fat | 18 g |
Carbohydrates | 15 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Vitamin A | 15% DV |
Vitamin C | 20% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This cashew vegetable curry pairs beautifully with traditional Indian breads like naan or roti. For a wholesome meal, serve it alongside steamed basmati rice or fragrant jeera rice.
Accompany the dish with cooling sides like cucumber raita or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the curry. For a festive spread, consider pairing with other Indian favorites such as dal tadka or a tangy pickle.
Delicious Cashew Veg Recipes to Try
Kaju Mutter (Cashew and Peas Curry)
Kaju Mutter is a creamy, mildly spiced curry featuring tender peas and cashew nuts in a luscious tomato-based gravy. It’s a perfect party dish and goes well with both rice and bread.
- Ingredients: 1 cup peas, ½ cup cashews, 2 tomatoes, cumin, garlic, ginger, turmeric, garam masala, cream
- Tip: Use fresh or frozen peas depending on availability.
Cashew Vegetable Biryani
This fragrant biryani combines basmati rice, mixed vegetables, and roasted cashews, layered with saffron and aromatic spices. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for special occasions.
- Ingredients: Basmati rice, mixed vegetables, cashews, whole spices (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom), onions, yogurt, mint, coriander
- Tip: Toast cashews separately for extra crunch.
Cashew and Spinach Curry
A nutritious and creamy curry where fresh spinach is cooked down with cashew paste and spiced with cumin and garlic. This dish is a fantastic way to include leafy greens in your diet.
- Ingredients: Fresh spinach, cashew nuts, garlic, cumin seeds, green chili, cream or coconut milk
- Tip: Blanch spinach before cooking for a vibrant green color.
For more vegetable-based recipes, you might enjoy our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or explore other vegetarian delights like Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.
Conclusion
Cashew veg recipes are a wonderful way to enjoy the richness of Indian cuisine while keeping your meals wholesome and nutritious. Whether you’re making a creamy cashew curry, a savory vegetable biryani, or a vibrant spinach-cashew combo, these dishes bring warmth, flavor, and satisfaction to the table.
The blend of spices with the natural sweetness of cashews creates an irresistible balance that will keep you coming back for more.
These recipes are also highly adaptable, allowing you to tailor the ingredients and spice levels according to your preferences. Plus, they’re excellent for both everyday meals and special occasions.
So next time you want to impress your family or friends, try one of these cashew veg recipes and enjoy a taste of authentic Indian home cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Cashew Vegetable Curry – Indian Style
Description: A rich and creamy Indian vegetable curry featuring cashews for added texture and flavor. Perfect as a main dish served with rice or roti.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashew nuts
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans), chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Soak cashews in warm water for 15 minutes and blend to a smooth paste.
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds until they splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
- Add turmeric, coriander powder, and salt; mix well.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add cashew paste and water; simmer for 10-12 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Sprinkle garam masala and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 22 g | Carbs: 20 g
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