Top Kaju Dishes in India: A Culinary Journey

Cashews, known as “kaju” in India, are a beloved ingredient in Indian cuisine. Their rich, creamy texture and nutty flavor make them a versatile component in both savory and sweet dishes. From luxurious curries to delightful desserts, kaju dishes hold a special place in Indian culinary traditions. This article explores the top kaju dishes in India that you must try.

1. Kaju Katli

Kaju Katli is one of the most popular Indian sweets, often associated with festivals and celebrations. This delectable treat is made from cashew nuts, sugar, and ghee, and is typically garnished with silver leaf (varak). Its smooth, melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich flavor make it a favorite across all age groups.

Ingredients:

• Cashew nuts
• Sugar
• Water
• Ghee
• Silver leaf (optional)

Preparation:

1. Grind the cashews into a fine powder.
2. Prepare a sugar syrup of one-string consistency.
3. Mix the cashew powder with the sugar syrup and cook until it forms a dough-like consistency.
4. Roll out the dough and cut it into diamond-shaped pieces.
5. Garnish with silver leaf if desired.

2. Kaju Curry

Kaju Curry is a rich and creamy dish that showcases the versatility of cashews. This curry is often part of special occasions and restaurant menus. The cashews are cooked in a spicy, flavorful gravy made with tomatoes, onions, and a blend of Indian spices.

Ingredients:

• Cashew nuts
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Spices (turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala)
• Cream
• Oil

Preparation:

1. Soak the cashews in water for about 30 minutes.
2. Sauté onions, ginger-garlic paste, and tomatoes until they soften.
3. Add spices and cook until the oil separates.
4. Blend the mixture into a smooth paste.
5. Add the soaked cashews and cook in the gravy until tender.
6. Stir in the cream before serving.

3. Kaju Pista Roll

Kaju Pista Roll is another delightful sweet treat made from cashew nuts and pistachios. This cylindrical-shaped dessert is visually appealing and delicious, often found in sweet shops and during festive seasons.

Ingredients:

• Cashew nuts
• Pistachios
• Sugar
• Ghee
• Cardamom powder
• Silver leaf (optional)

Preparation:

1. Grind the cashews and pistachios separately into fine powders.
2. Prepare separate sugar syrups for the cashew and pistachio powders.
3. Mix the powders with their respective syrups to form dough.
4. Roll out the cashew dough and place a thin layer of pistachio dough on top.
5. Roll them together into a cylindrical shape.
6. Garnish with silver leaf if desired.

4. Kaju Barfi

Kaju Barfi is a variant of Kaju Katli but is thicker and often includes other ingredients like milk or khoya (reduced milk). This sweet is a staple in Indian households during festivals like Diwali and Raksha Bandhan.

Ingredients:

• Cashew nuts
• Sugar
• Milk or khoya
• Ghee
• Cardamom powder
• Silver leaf (optional)

Preparation:

1. Grind the cashews into a fine powder.
2. Prepare a sugar syrup and mix it with milk or khoya.
3. Add the cashew powder and cook until it forms a thick dough.
4. Spread the mixture in a greased tray and let it cool.
5. Cut into desired shapes and garnish with cardamom powder and silver leaf.

5. Kaju Masala

Kaju Masala is a delicious and spicy snack made with roasted cashews coated in a blend of spices. This crunchy treat is perfect for munching on during tea time or as an appetizer.

Ingredients:

• Cashew nuts
• Spices (red chili powder, turmeric, chaat masala, black salt)
• Oil

Preparation:

1. Heat oil in a pan and roast the cashews until golden brown.
2. Sprinkle the spices over the roasted cashews while they are still hot.
3. Mix well to ensure even coating.
4. Let them cool before serving.

6. Kaju Khoya

Kaju Khoya is a rich and creamy dessert made with cashew nuts and khoya. This sweet dish is often prepared during special occasions and festivals.

Ingredients:

• Cashew nuts
• Khoya
• Sugar
• Ghee
• Cardamom powder
• Saffron strands (optional)

Preparation:

1. Grind the cashews into a fine powder.
2. Cook the khoya in a pan until it softens.
3. Add sugar and continue cooking until it dissolves.
4. Mix in the cashew powder and cook until the mixture thickens.
5. Add ghee, cardamom powder, and saffron strands.
6. Spread the mixture in a greased tray and let it cool before cutting into pieces.

7. Kaju Chicken

Kaju Chicken is a popular non-vegetarian dish where chicken is cooked with cashews in a flavorful gravy. This dish is known for its rich taste and creamy texture, making it a favorite in Indian households and restaurants.

Ingredients:

• Chicken pieces
• Cashew nuts
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Spices (turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala)
• Cream
• Oil

Preparation:

1. Soak the cashews in water for about 30 minutes.
2. Sauté onions, ginger-garlic paste, and tomatoes until they soften.
3. Add spices and cook until the oil separates.
4. Blend the mixture into a smooth paste.
5. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are tender.
6. Add the soaked cashews and cook in the gravy until the flavors meld.
7. Stir in the cream before serving.

8. Kaju Pakoda

Kaju Pakoda is a crunchy and savory snack made with cashews and chickpea flour. These deep-fried fritters are perfect for rainy days and are often enjoyed with a cup of hot tea.

Ingredients:

• Cashew nuts
• Chickpea flour (besan)
• Spices (red chili powder, turmeric, ajwain)
• Salt
• Oil

Preparation:

1. Mix chickpea flour with spices and salt.
2. Add water to form a thick batter.
3. Dip the cashews in the batter, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Deep fry the cashews until golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

9. Kaju Matar Paneer

Kaju Matar Paneer is a rich and creamy vegetarian dish made with cashews, green peas, and paneer (Indian cottage cheese). This dish is often part of festive and special occasion menus.

Ingredients:

• Cashew nuts
• Green peas
• Paneer
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Spices (turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala)
• Cream
• Oil

Preparation:

1. Soak the cashews in water for about 30 minutes.
2. Sauté onions, ginger-garlic paste, and tomatoes until they soften.
3. Add spices and cook until the oil separates.
4. Blend the mixture into a smooth paste.
5. Add the green peas and paneer, and cook until tender.
6. Add the soaked cashews and cook in the gravy until the flavors meld.
7. Stir in the cream before serving.

10. Kaju Kalash

Kaju Kalash is a unique and intricate sweet dish made from cashew nuts and khoya, shaped like a kalash (a traditional Indian pot). This dessert is often part of elaborate Indian weddings and festive celebrations.

Ingredients:

• Cashew nuts
• Khoya
• Sugar
• Ghee
• Cardamom powder
• Silver leaf (optional)

Preparation:

1. Grind the cashews into a fine powder.
2. Cook the khoya in a pan until it softens.
3. Add sugar and continue cooking until it dissolves.
4. Mix in the cashew powder and cook until the mixture thickens.
5. Shape the mixture into small kalash-like forms.
6. Garnish with cardamom powder and silver leaf.

Conclusion

Cashew nuts, or kaju, are a beloved ingredient in Indian cuisine, adding richness and flavor to a variety of dishes. From sweet treats like Kaju Katli and Kaju Barfi to savory delights like Kaju Curry and Kaju Chicken, these dishes highlight the versatility and culinary significance of cashews in India. Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer savory flavors, there’s a kaju dish that will delight your taste buds. Explore these top kaju dishes and enjoy the rich and nutty flavors that cashews bring to Indian cuisine.