Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and colorful presentation. One dish that beautifully captures all these elements is the Cashew Vegetarian Thai Curry.
This recipe is a delightful medley of creamy coconut milk, spicy red curry paste, and crunchy cashews, all coming together to create a comforting yet exciting meal. Perfect for vegetarians and vegans alike, this curry is not only packed with nutrients but also offers a satisfying texture and a burst of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Thailand.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish to impress guests, this cashew curry checks all the boxes.
In this post, I’ll guide you through making this delicious curry step-by-step, share tips and variations to customize it, and provide nutrition information so you can enjoy it guilt-free. Plus, I’ll link you to some other fantastic recipes you might love to try alongside it.
Let’s dive into the world of Thai cooking and make a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cashew Vegetarian Thai Curry is a fantastic fusion of rich, creamy, and spicy flavors with the wholesome goodness of fresh vegetables and nuts. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Easy to prepare: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
- Nutritious and filling: Loaded with protein-rich cashews, fiber-packed veggies, and healthy coconut milk.
- Customizable: You can swap vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Vegetarian and vegan-friendly: No animal products, yet packed with flavor and texture.
- Great for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons red Thai curry paste (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
- 1 cup raw cashews (unsalted)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh basil leaves or Thai basil, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
- Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice, to serve
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Grater for ginger
- Serving bowls
- Rice cooker or pot for cooking rice
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Slice the onion, bell pepper, carrot, and snap peas. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Rinse the broccoli and cut into bite-sized florets.
- Toast the cashews: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cashews for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in the skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger; sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add red curry paste: Stir in the red Thai curry paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom and become aromatic.
- Pour in coconut milk: Slowly add the coconut milk, stirring to combine with the curry paste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add vegetables: Add the broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, and snap peas. Stir well and simmer for 7-10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Season the curry: Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more curry paste if desired.
- Add toasted cashews: Fold in the toasted cashews for a crunchy texture.
- Finish and garnish: Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and chopped cilantro if using.
- Serve: Spoon the curry over steamed jasmine or brown rice and enjoy immediately.
Tips & Variations
“Adjust the spice level by adding more or less curry paste, and experiment with different vegetables based on what’s in season or your preference.”
- Make it vegan: Use tamari instead of soy sauce if you want gluten-free and ensure your curry paste contains no shrimp paste.
- Protein boost: Add tofu cubes or tempeh for extra protein.
- Vegetable swaps: Try zucchini, eggplant, or baby corn instead of or alongside the listed veggies.
- Nut-free version: Substitute cashews with roasted pumpkin seeds or omit them entirely for nut allergies.
- Make it creamy: For a richer curry, add a splash of coconut cream or peanut butter.
- Serve with noodles: Instead of rice, toss with rice noodles or soba noodles for a different texture.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350-400 kcal |
Protein | 10-12 g |
Fat | 25 g |
Carbohydrates | 25-30 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sugar | 8 g |
Sodium | 600 mg (varies with soy sauce) |
Serving Suggestions
This Cashew Vegetarian Thai Curry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fragrant brown rice to soak up the rich sauce. For a lighter option, serve it with cauliflower rice or quinoa.
If you want to round out your meal, consider pairing it with some fresh spring rolls or a crisp cucumber salad for contrast. For dessert, something light and refreshing like mango sticky rice would complement the spicy curry beautifully.
Also, if you enjoy this dish, you might want to explore more flavorful recipes like the Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe, the hearty Lamb Tenderloin Recipes, or the creamy Halibut Dip Recipe to diversify your cooking repertoire.
Conclusion
The Cashew Vegetarian Thai Curry is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a deeply satisfying and complex dish. Its balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors combined with crunchy cashews and fresh vegetables makes it a standout meal for any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s nutritious, easy to make, and adaptable to your taste preferences.
So next time you’re craving something exotic yet comforting, give this Thai curry a try. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to check out some of our other delicious recipes for more culinary inspiration!
📖 Recipe Card: Cashew Vegetarian Thai Curry
Description: A creamy and flavorful Thai curry packed with vegetables and crunchy cashews. Perfect for a quick and healthy vegetarian meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 1/2 cup roasted cashews
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in red curry paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in coconut milk, bring to a simmer.
- Add bell pepper, broccoli, snap peas, and carrot; cook until tender.
- Stir in soy sauce and brown sugar.
- Mix in cashews and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 25 g | Carbs: 20 g
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