Cashew Paneer Masala

Rich, creamy, and packed with flavour, this Cashew Curry is a hearty twist on the classic North Indian-style curry. A velvety tomato and cashew gravy is combined with soft paneer, sweet green peas, crispy ghee-roasted potatoes, and golden ghee-roasted cashews for the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and comforting textures.


The roasted potatoes soak up the delicious gravy while still holding their shape, and the crunchy cashews add a buttery nutty bite in every mouthful. This wholesome curry is ideal for family dinners or special occasions and pairs beautifully with butter naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice or Jeera rice

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 4–5

Ingredients

For the Curry

  • 200g paneer, cut into cubes
  • 1 big potato, peeled and cut into cubes
  • ¾ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • ¼ cup whole cashews
  • 2 tbsp ghee
  • 2 tbsp butter

For the Gravy

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
  • Ginger garlic paste (with 3 garlic cloves and 1-inch piece ginger)
  • 15 whole cashews
  • 2 cloves
  • 1 small piece of cinnamon stick
  • 1/4 tsp Cardamom powder (made using 2 green cardamom pods)
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp crushed kasuri methi
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp sugar or honey (optional)
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional)
  • 1 to 1½ cups warm water (adjust as needed)

For Garnishing

  • Chopped coriander
  • A few roasted cashews
  • A small knob of butter (optional)

Method

Step 1 – Roast the Potatoes & Cashews

Boil the potatoes till they are half cooked. I have boiled the cubed potatoes in the microwave for around 2-3 mins

Heat the ghee in a large pan over medium heat.

Add the potato cubes and roast until they are golden brown and lightly crisp on all sides, about 10–12 minutes.

Add the whole cashews during the last 2–3 minutes and roast until golden.

Remove both from the pan and set aside.

Step 2 – Prepare the Tomato and Cashew nut Puree

Soak some cashew nuts in warm water for around 20 mins.

Blend the chopped tomatoes and the cashew nuts to a smooth paste.

Keep this aside.

Step 3 – Cook the Masala

In the pan, add ghee.

Add the cloves and cinnamon stick

Add the ginger garlic paste and fry for a minute.

Next add the onions and sauté until soft and lightly golden. Add salt.

Add the cardamom powder and mix well

Add the Chilli powder, Corainder powder and garam masala and mix well.

Next add the tomatoes cashews puree and let it cook for a few mins till it start leaving ghee

Add salt and some warm water and let it cook. Adjust water as per the desired consistency.

Step 4 – Add the Vegetables

Add the roasted potatoes and green peas.

Add the paneer.

Cover and simmer for 5 minutes so the potatoes absorb the flavours of the gravy.

Step 5 – Finish the Curry

Add the paneer cubes and gently stir.

Mix in the fresh cream, garam masala, crushed kasuri methi, and sugar (if using).

Simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes. Avoid overcooking the paneer.

Finally, stir in the roasted cashews, reserving a few for garnishing.

Garnish

Sprinkle over chopped coriander, top with the reserved roasted cashews, and add a small knob of butter if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This curry tastes delicious with:

  • Butter naan
  • Garlic naan
  • Tandoori roti
  • Lachha paratha
  • Jeera rice
  • Steamed basmati rice

Serve with sliced onions, cucumber, and lemon wedges for a complete restaurant-style meal.


Tips

  • Roast the potatoes until they're golden rather than fully crispy.
  • Roasting the cashews in ghee gives the curry an extra-rich, nutty flavour.
  • Use Kashmiri chilli powder for a vibrant colour without too much heat.
  • Don't boil the curry after adding the cream, as it may split.
  • Add the roasted cashews just before serving to keep their crunch.

This Creamy Cashew Paneer Masala is a comforting, restaurant-style dish that's rich, satisfying, and full of flavour. The combination of creamy gravy, soft paneer, golden potatoes, sweet peas, and crunchy roasted cashews makes every bite delicious.



Comments

Post a Comment