6 Delicious Ways to Use Goa Cashew
in Indian Cooking
India is home to a variety of unique and flavorful ingredients, and among them, Goa cashews
hold a special place. Goa, known for its scenic beauty and rich culinary heritage, produces
some of the finest cashews in the world. These cashews, often consumed as raw cashews or
roasted, bring a buttery, nutty flavor that elevates both savory and sweet dishes. Cashews from
Goa are not only a tasty snack but also a versatile ingredient that can be used in various Indian
recipes. In this article, we’ll explore six delicious ways to use Goa cashew in Indian cooking,
each showcasing the nutty goodness of this beloved ingredient.
1. Goan Cashew Curry (Kaju Curry)
Goa's cuisine is renowned for its curries, and one of the most iconic dishes is the Goan Cashew
Curry. This curry, known locally as Kaju Tonak, is a creamy, mildly spicy dish featuring whole
cashews cooked in a thick coconut-based gravy. The dish highlights the buttery texture of Goa
cashews and the rich flavors of traditional Goan spices.
Ingredients:
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1 cup Goa cashew (whole)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, pureed
1 cup grated coconut
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp red chili powder
2 green chilies
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp coriander powder
Salt to taste
2 tbsp oil
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Method:
1. Soak the cashews in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them.
2. Heat oil in a pan, add onions, and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add the coconut and fry until it turns golden. Blend this mixture into a smooth paste.
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In the same pan, add more oil, followed by the cashews. Sauté for a few minutes.
Add the blended paste, tomatoes, and spices. Cook until the oil separates.
Add water to achieve the desired consistency, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with rice or Indian bread.
This curry brings out the full richness of raw cashew, making it a favorite in Goan households
and an excellent dish to serve for special occasions.
2. Cashew and Coconut Fudge (Kaju Barfi)
One of the most popular Indian sweets, Kaju Barfi, is a delightful fudge-like dessert made from
cashew nuts. Traditionally, Goa cashews are preferred for their creamy texture, which adds to
the dessert's rich taste. This dessert is perfect for festivals and celebrations, often enjoyed
during Diwali.
Ingredients:
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2 cups Goa cashew, powdered
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tsp ghee
1/4 tsp cardamom powder
Silver leaf (optional, for decoration)
Method:
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Grind the cashews into a fine powder using a food processor.
In a pan, dissolve sugar in water and cook until it reaches a single-thread consistency.
Add the cashew powder and stir continuously until the mixture thickens.
Add ghee and cardamom powder, mixing well.
Pour the mixture onto a greased plate, flatten, and let it cool.
Cut into diamond shapes and decorate with silver leaf.
Goa cashews make the fudge exceptionally creamy, providing a melt-in-the-mouth texture that's
hard to resist.
3. Spiced Goa Cashew Rice (Kaju Pulao)
Goa Cashew Pulao is a simple yet elegant rice dish perfect for festive occasions or family
gatherings. Cashews are lightly roasted and tossed with fragrant basmati rice, along with a
medley of spices to create a flavorful, nutty dish.
Ingredients:
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1 cup basmati rice
1/2 cup Goa cashew
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2 tbsp ghee or oil
1 onion, sliced
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 bay leaf
2-3 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
2-3 green cardamoms
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander for garnish
Method:
1. Cook the basmati rice with a pinch of salt and set aside.
2. Heat ghee in a large pan, add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom.
Sauté until fragrant.
3. Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown.
4. In a separate pan, roast the cashews in a little ghee until they turn golden.
5. Mix the cooked rice, spices, and cashews together, gently folding to combine.
6. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
This dish showcases the crunchy texture of Goa cashews, complementing the aromatic spices
and fluffy basmati rice.
4. Goan Cashew and Coconut Stew
This unique dish combines cashews with coconut milk, bringing together sweet and savory
flavors. The stew is creamy, slightly sweet, and often paired with steamed rice or traditional
Indian bread. It’s an easy-to-make dish that highlights the natural sweetness of Goa cashews.
Ingredients:
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1 cup Goa cashew, halved
1 cup coconut milk
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 green chili, chopped
1 tbsp oil
Salt to taste
Fresh curry leaves
Method:
1. Heat oil in a pan, add curry leaves, onions, and green chili. Cook until onions are
translucent.
2. Add turmeric and cashews, stirring well.
3. Pour in the coconut milk and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
4. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Serve hot with rice or chapati.
This recipe highlights the creamy texture of raw cashews, perfectly blending with the rich
coconut milk to create a comforting meal.
5. Cashew and Spinach Masala (Palak Kaju)
For a healthy yet indulgent dish, try Palak Kaju, a traditional North Indian curry with a Goan
twist. This recipe incorporates spinach with creamy cashew gravy, creating a nutrient-rich dish
that’s both delicious and filling.
Ingredients:
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1 cup spinach, blanched and pureed
1/2 cup Goa cashew
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, pureed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp red chili powder
Salt to taste
2 tbsp oil
Method:
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Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
Add garlic, ginger, and onions, sauté until golden.
Add tomato puree and spices, cooking until oil separates.
Stir in the spinach puree and cashews, simmering for 10 minutes.
Serve hot with naan or rice.
This dish combines the health benefits of spinach with the delightful crunch of Goa cashews,
creating a perfect vegetarian main course.
6. Sweet Goa Cashew Laddu (Kaju Ladoo)
Laddu is a classic Indian sweet often made during festivals. Cashew laddus are a delightful treat
that requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor. Using Goa cashews ensures that
these laddus have a rich, nutty taste.
Ingredients:
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1 cup Goa cashew, ground to a fine powder
1 cup jaggery, grated
1/4 cup ghee
1/2 cup grated coconut
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1/2 tsp cardamom powder
Method:
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In a pan, roast the cashew powder and grated coconut until fragrant.
Add ghee and jaggery, stirring until everything combines.
Remove from heat, add cardamom powder, and let it cool slightly.
Shape the mixture into small balls.
Serve once cooled and store in an airtight container.
These laddus are not only delicious but also nutritious, thanks to the wholesome ingredients like
cashews and jaggery.
Conclusion:
Goa cashews are a versatile ingredient that can transform any dish, whether it’s a savory curry
or a sweet dessert. Their unique texture and rich, nutty flavor make them a favorite in Indian
kitchens. From traditional Goan delicacies like Kaju Curry to more innovative dishes like
Cashew and Spinach Masala, Goa cashews bring out the best in Indian cooking. If you're
looking to experience the authentic taste of Indian cuisine, consider incorporating Goa cashews
into your recipes—they're a fantastic addition to both everyday meals and festive celebrations.
Whether you're sourcing raw cashews or browsing for other ingredients at a Kashmir dry fruits
online store, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy this beloved nut.