kaju curry recipe

kaju curry recipe is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Anukriti Cooking Recipes on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 31 min | Total: 56 min

Cost: $16.35 total, $4.09 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Cashews (whole, unsalted)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for roasting cashews; can substitute with ghee)
  • 1 tablespoon Cumin Seeds (to temper)
  • 2 Onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Green Chili (finely chopped; adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger (finely grated)
  • 2 Tomato (finely chopped or grated)
  • 0.5 cup Tomato Paste (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 0.25 cup Cashew Paste (made by grinding roasted cashews with a little water)
  • 2 tablespoons Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (mild, bright red)
  • 1 tablespoon Coriander Powder (ground dry coriander)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Garam Masala
  • 0.5 teaspoon Chaat Masala
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.25 cup Khoya (Mawa) (grated, unsweetened)
  • 1 cup Hot Water (just boiled)
  • 2 tablespoons Raisins (optional, for sweet contrast)
  • 1 tablespoon Glazed Cherries (finely chopped; can use candied cherries)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Cream (full‑fat, for richness)
  • 1 teaspoon Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) (crushed)

Instructions

  1. Roast the Cashews

    Heat 2 tbsp oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup whole cashews and stir continuously until they turn golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Make Cashew Paste

    In a blender, combine the roasted cashews with 2‑3 tbsp warm water. Blend until a smooth, thick paste forms. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Temper Cumin and Sauté Aromatics

    In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp cumin seeds. When they sputter, add 2 finely chopped onions, 2 tbsp chopped green chilies, 1 tbsp minced garlic, and 1 tsp grated ginger. Sauté for 2‑3 minutes until the onions turn translucent but not browned.

    Time: PT4M

  4. Add Tomatoes

    Stir in the chopped tomatoes (or grated tomatoes) and cook for 2 minutes until they soften. Then add 0.5 cup tomato paste and mix well.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Create Spice Water

    In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 tbsp coriander powder, 0.5 tsp garam masala, 0.5 tsp chaat masala, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt with 1½ cups hot water. Stir until dissolved.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Build the Gravy

    Pour the spice water into the skillet, bring to a gentle boil, then add the cashew paste. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens and the oil begins to separate.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Add Khoya and Finish

    Stir in 0.25 cup grated khoya, 2 tbsp fresh cream, 2 tbsp raisins, 1 tbsp chopped glazed cherries, and 1 tsp crushed kasuri methi. Cook for another 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Rest and Serve

    Let the curry rest for 1 minute, then give it a final stir. Garnish with a drizzle of cream if desired and serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
8 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
30 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Tree nuts (cashews), Dairy (khoya, cream)

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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kaju curry recipe

Recipe by Anukriti Cooking Recipes

A rich, creamy cashew (kaju) curry inspired by popular restaurant gravies. Roasted cashews are blended into a smooth paste, combined with aromatic spices, tomato puree, khoya and fresh cream for a luxurious, melt‑in‑your‑mouth dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a hearty family dinner.

MediumIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
9m
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
39m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$16.35
Total cost
$4.09
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Roasting the cashews until golden brown
  • Blending a smooth cashew paste without excess water
  • Simmering the gravy gently to prevent curdling

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Handle boiling hot water with care to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Kaju Curry in Indian cuisine?

A

Kaju Curry, also known as cashew gravy, is a staple in North Indian festive meals and royal kitchens. Historically, cashews were a luxury ingredient brought to India by Portuguese traders, and their rich flavor made them popular in special occasion dishes like weddings and religious celebrations.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Kaju Curry in Indian cuisine?

A

In Punjab, the gravy is often enriched with khoya and cream, while in Gujarat a sweeter version with added sugar and raisins is common. South Indian adaptations may include coconut milk instead of dairy, giving a lighter texture.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Kaju Curry traditionally served in Indian weddings?

A

At Indian weddings, Kaju Curry is typically served hot in a large brass or copper vessel alongside butter naan, tandoori roti, and fragrant basmati rice. It is garnished with a drizzle of fresh cream, chopped nuts, and sometimes a sprinkle of rose water for extra elegance.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Kaju Curry traditionally associated with in Indian culture?

A

Kaju Curry is a favorite for festivals such as Diwali, Navratri, and Eid, as well as wedding feasts and birthday celebrations. Its rich, indulgent profile makes it a centerpiece for any special gathering.

cultural
Q

What makes Kaju Curry special or unique in Indian cuisine?

A

The use of roasted cashew paste creates a velvety, nut‑laden gravy that is both luxurious and aromatic. Combined with khoya, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices, it delivers a depth of flavor rarely found in everyday Indian dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Kaju Curry versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include whole cashews, khoya, fresh cream, Kashmiri red chili powder, and kasuri methi. Acceptable substitutes are almond paste for cashews, paneer crumbles for khoya, and coconut cream for dairy‑based cream.

cultural
Q

What other Indian dishes pair well with Kaju Curry?

A

Kaju Curry pairs beautifully with buttery naan, tandoori roti, jeera rice, or a simple cumin‑flavored basmati rice. It also complements a side of cucumber raita to balance the richness.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Kaju Curry at home?

A

Common mistakes include over‑roasting the cashews (they become bitter), using too high heat while simmering the gravy (causing the cashew paste to split), and adding the khoya too early, which can cause graininess. Follow the low‑heat simmer and add khoya at the end for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this Kaju Curry recipe use a separate spice‑water mixture instead of adding dry spices directly?

A

Creating a spice‑water mixture ensures the powdered spices dissolve completely, preventing lumps and giving the gravy a uniform, vibrant color and flavor. It also mimics the “dhaba” style gravies where the spice infusion is key to the signature taste.

technical
Q

Can I make Kaju Curry ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the gravy a day ahead. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore consistency.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Anukriti Cooking Recipes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Anukriti Cooking Recipes specializes in Indian home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on traditional recipes, festive dishes, and easy‑to‑follow step‑by‑step videos for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Anukriti Cooking Recipes' approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Anukriti Cooking Recipes emphasizes detailed ingredient explanations, cost‑effective tips, and cultural context, often sharing restaurant‑style secrets that can be recreated at home, whereas many other channels focus mainly on quick, modern twists.

channel

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