Globetrotting Flavours: Cashews in International Cuisines
September 17 2023 – Courtney Parry
Cashews, those delightful kidney-shaped nuts, aren't just a snack (although if you are seeking cashew snacks, we know a great cashew company to get them :)
They're versatile ingredients that have found their way into cuisines from all around the world. From adding creaminess to curries in India to providing a satisfying crunch in Thai dishes, cashews have earned their place in kitchens globally. We'd like highlight a few below to get your culinary juices flowing:
India: Creamy Cashew Curry
In India, cashews are revered for their ability to thicken and enrich gravies and curries. One of the most popular dishes featuring cashews is the creamy and aromatic Cashew Curry, also known as "Kaju Curry." This vegetarian delight combines roasted cashews with a blend of spices, tomatoes, and cream to create a luxurious sauce. It's often served with rice or naan bread for a delightful meal.
Thailand: The Crunchy Thai Salad
Thailand is famous for its vibrant and zesty cuisine. Cashews play a unique role in Thai cuisine, adding a pleasing crunch to salads and stir-fried dishes. The Thai Cashew Salad is a prime example. This colourful salad combines fresh vegetables, chicken or tofu, and roasted cashews, all tossed in a tangy and slightly spicy dressing.
It's a perfect balance of flavours and textures.
Italy: Cashew Pesto Pasta
In Italy, land of pasta and pizza, cashews have even found their way into traditional dishes. Cashew pesto is a delightful twist on the classic basil and pine nut pesto. It combines fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and, of course, roasted cashews to create a creamy and nutty sauce that's perfect for tossing with pasta or drizzling over grilled vegetables.
Brazil: Sweet Cashew Delights
Brazil is not only a major producer of cashews but also a place where they're used creatively in desserts. "Cajúzinho," or little cashew, is a popular Brazilian sweet treat. These bite-sized delights are made from cashew nut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and cocoa powder. Rolled in sugar and shaped like miniature cashew nuts, they are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Cashews are more than just a snack; they are culinary treasures used in diverse and delicious ways across the globe. Whether you're indulging in the creamy cashew curries of India, savouring the crunch of a Thai salad, or trying unique cashew sweets from Brazil, cashews bring a world of flavours to your plate. So, the next time you enjoy cashews, remember that you're also taking a globetrotting culinary adventure without leaving your kitchen.
If you like to have the recipe of the above, you can write to us at hello@cajuu.co.uk
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