Rashmi Sharma Kaju Khoya Gravy is a rich and indulgent Indian curry made with cashews (kaju) and khoya (also known as mawa), which are cooked in a creamy, spiced gravy. The dish has a deliciously smooth and slightly sweet flavor from the khoya, combined with the nutty richness of cashews. This makes it an ideal dish for special occasions or festive meals, as it pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Here’s how you can make Kaju Khoya Gravy:
Kaju Khoya Gravy Recipe | What is the Recipe of Kaju Khoya Gravy
Ingredients
For the ground paste
- ½ cup onion chopped
- 1 inch ginger chopped
- 2 green chilies chopped
- 3 tbsp full fat fresh curd
Other Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cashews
- 3/4 cup khoya crumbled
- 1 tejpatta
- 2 cloves
- 1/2 cinnamon
- 2 chotti elachi
- 2 strands of javitri
- 1/2 tsp kala jeera optional
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/4 tsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp low fat cream
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp coriander leaves chopped
- 2 tbsp ghee
- salt
Instructions
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Take the chopped onion, ginger, green chilies in chutney jar or grinder jar. add 3 tbsp curd/yogurt. Grind everything to a smooth paste without adding any water. keep this ground paste aside.
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Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a pan. Add the cashews and saute them till they become golden and keep them aside on a plate.
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In the same pan, add the whole spices - 1 tejpatta, 2 cloves, ½ inch cinnamon, 2 green cardamoms, 2 strands of javitri, ½ tsp kala jeera. Saute till the spices become aromatic.
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Then add the ground onion paste and saute it till it starts turning light brown. The paste will start clumping together and reduce a lot.
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then add the spice powders - ¼ tsp turmeric powder, ½ tsp red chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, ¼ tsp to ½ tsp garam masala. for a semi white gravy, don't add turmeric and red chili powder. instead you can add about ¼ tsp white pepper powder along with the coriander and garam masala powder.
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stir well so that the spice powder or masala mixes evenly with the rest of the mixture. keep the flame low as you don't want the spices to get burnt.
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add ¾ cup grated khoya or crumbled khoya.
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stir and saute till you see fat releasing the sides of the masala mixture. about 2 minutes on a low flame.
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add ¾ cup water and stir very well. you can also add water as per the consistency you want. for a thicker consistency, add less water. i kept a medium consistency gravy.
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then add salt as required.
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bring the gravy or curry to a simmer on low to medium flame for 5 to 6 minutes or till you see the some specks of fat floating on top.
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add 2 tbsp low fat cream. stir well and then switch off the flame.
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lastly add the cashews. keep some cashews for garnish. stir the curry again.
Tips:
- Khoya: If you’re unable to find khoya in stores, you can make it at home by simmering full-fat milk in a heavy-bottomed pan until it thickens into a solid consistency. This can take some time, but it’s worth it for the authentic taste.
- Cashews: Toasting the cashews slightly before adding them to the gravy will enhance their flavor and texture. You can even roast them in a separate pan with a little ghee before adding them to the dish.
- Sweetness: If you like a slightly sweeter gravy, you can add a little more sugar or even honey, but this is optional.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, use cashew cream or coconut cream instead of dairy cream, and ensure that the khoya is plant-based (if available, or you can make a non-dairy version).
Health Benefits:
- Cashews: Cashews are rich in healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. They are a good source of magnesium, copper, and iron, which are important for heart health, energy production, and immune support.
- Khoya (Mawa): Khoya is made from milk and provides calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients. It also adds a rich, creamy texture to dishes.
- Spices: The spices in the gravy, such as turmeric, cumin, and garam masala, have numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and aiding digestion.
Kaju Khoya Gravy is an indulgent and flavorful dish that combines the richness of cashews and khoya with aromatic spices. It’s perfect for serving at dinner parties or during festive occasions. Whether you serve it with roti, naan, or rice, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
