
Raw Cashew Paste
A raw cashew paste: cashews soaked till tender and blended smooth with a little water.
Overview
A simple paste made from soaked raw cashews, used to thicken and flavor curries. Adds creaminess and richness without cooking.
Ingredients
Nuts
- Raw cashews, quantity as needed
Liquid
- Cold water, for soaking and blending (enough to cover cashews and blend)
Method
Stage 1 - Soak cashews
- Soak raw cashews in cold water for about 30 minutes.
Stage 2 - Blend to paste
- Drain cashews.
- Place in spice grinder or blender.
- Add just enough fresh water to blend to smooth paste.
Notes
- Use in curries for thickening and flavor.
- Adjust water for desired consistency.
- Raw cashews provide a fresh, nutty taste.
Serving
- Not served directly; incorporated into curries.
Storage
- Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freeze up to 1 month; thaw before use.
More like this
Coconut Chutney
Fresh coconut is ground with green chilli, ginger, roasted gram and a small splash of water into a smooth paste. The chutney is finished with a tempering of mustard seeds, dried red chilli, curry leaves and asafoetida in hot oil, poured over the white chutney for a striking visual and aromatic contrast.
Coconut Rice
Plain steamed rice (often last night's leftovers) is the base. A hot temper of mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, cashews, dried red chilli and curry leaves is bloomed in coconut oil, then fresh grated coconut is folded in and warmed through. The rice is tossed through everything off the heat, so the grains stay separate and pick up flavour rather than soften.
Lemon Rice
A temper of mustard seeds, chana dal, urad dal, peanuts, dried red chilli and curry leaves is bloomed in sesame oil. Turmeric is stirred in for colour. Cooked, cooled rice is tossed through off the heat, then lemon juice is added at the end so the heat doesn't dull the acidity. Bright lunchbox classic; the dish should taste fresh and tart, not muddled.
Tamarind Rice
A spiced tamarind paste is built with a dry-roast of coriander, cumin, fenugreek, chana dal and dried red chilli ground to a powder, then tamarind extract is simmered with the powder, turmeric, jaggery and salt until thick. A temper of peanuts, mustard seeds and curry leaves is bloomed in sesame oil and folded through cooked rice with the tamarind paste, the dish left to rest so the flavour settles. Famously gets better overnight.