YOUR GUIDE TO CASHEW-BASED COOKING

Published On 22/02/2025

In the flavourful landscape of Indian cuisine, has making the switch to veganism seem challenging? There might be one ingredient that's revolutionising how we approach plant-based cooking: the humble cashew. Known as 'kaju' in Hindi, this versatile nut isn't just a snack anymore. Along with the nutritional benefits of cashews, they are the cornerstone of dairy-free cooking in many Indian kitchens. Let us look at some cashew-based cooking ideas that you can use in your recipes.

Why Quality Matters

Before we dive into applications, let's address the elephant in the room: quality. When using cashews as a dairy alternative, organic high-quality cashews are worth the investment. Unlike cashews meant for snacking, the ones you'll use for cooking should be raw, unroasted, and unsalted. Organic cashews typically have a sweeter, cleaner taste that better mimics dairy's neutral profile. They're also free from the chemical treatments often used in conventional processing, which can affect both taste and nutritional value.

Why are Cashews Creamy?

What makes cashews so special in vegan cooking? It's their unique composition. Cashews contain a higher starch content compared to other nuts, which, when blended with water, creates a remarkably creamy emulsion. They're also lower in fibre than most nuts, which means they combine into an incredibly smooth consistency – perfect for replicating dairy textures.

Your Vegan Pantry Essentials

To get started with cashew-based cooking, you'll need:

• Raw organic cashews
• A high-speed blender
• Fine mesh strainer
• Glass storage containers

Transforming Indian Favourites

Let's explore how cashews can revolutionise your favourite dishes:

Creamy Gravies

Remember those rich, creamy, cashew-based gravies in restaurants? Cashew cream makes an excellent base for dishes like shahi and kaju masala preparations. Simply soak cashews for 4-6 hours, blend until smooth, and use as you would cream.

Sweet Preparations

For traditional Indian sweets, cashew paste can replace khoya in many recipes. It works particularly well in barfi preparations and can even be used to make vegan rabdi when combined with coconut milk. For example, check out this delicious vegan kaju katli recipe by Vegan Richa. You can also try Upbeet Anisha’s Vegan Rasmalai if you are in the mood to experiment!

Beyond Basic Substitutions

While many start with simple substitutions, cashews can elevate your cooking further:

Cultured Products

Create vegan dahi by fermenting cashew cream with probiotic capsules. This cultured cashew cream can then be used in everything from kadhi to raita. Find detailed instructions here.

Cheese Alternatives

Blend soaked cashews with nutritional yeast, spices, and lemon to create spreadable cheese alternatives perfect for sandwiches and rolls. See the complete recipe here.

Tips for Perfect Results

1. Always soak your cashews properly:

• 4-6 hours in room temperature water
• 1-2 hours in hot water for quick preparations
• Overnight in the refrigerator for the smoothest results

2. Invest in a high-speed blender. The smoother your cashew paste, the more authentic your final dishes will taste.

3. Store cashew cream properly:

• Plain cream lasts 4-5 days in the refrigerator
• Freeze portions in ice cube trays for longer storage
• Always use clean, dry spoons to prevent spoilage

Nutritional Benefits

Beyond their culinary uses, the nutritional benefits of cashews are plenty. They're rich in:

• Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
• Plant-based protein
• Essential minerals like copper and magnesium
• Zinc, crucial for immune function

Looking Ahead

As more Indians explore plant-based living, high-quality cashews are emerging as a gateway ingredient to satisfying, authentic-tasting vegan cuisine. Their versatility, combined with proper preparation techniques, makes them indispensable in a modern vegan kitchen.

The key to success lies in starting with quality ingredients and mastering basic techniques before moving on to more complex preparations. With these fundamentals in place, you'll find that cashews can help create plant-based versions of virtually any dairy-based dish you miss.

So, whether you're a dedicated vegan or just trying to cut back on dairy, cashews are your secret weapon! They're amazing for getting those creamy, rich flavors we all crave in Indian food. Honestly, the sky's the limit with what you can do – just get creative and have some fun with it!