Khaju/Cashew Masala

The name itself says how rich, creamy and elegant this dish is. Its one of my favorite dishes I used to have when I used to go to a Restaurant called "Gokul" in Bangalore. Its a small restaurant but this dish was one of the best there. I wonder now how I used to eat this and burn the calories in it. This is a very royal dish so don't make it quite often. Last time I had this dish was 2 yrs ago when I visited B'lore and learn't this dish in a cookery class. Once in 3-4 months is ideal. If you are fan of veggies in curry then this can be a side dish , as there are no vegetables in this dish its just cashews. Cashews are one of the healthy nut and its good if you eat 4-5 nuts daily. For more information on cashews you can refer this link. Now lets move on to the recipe.

Ingredients:

1cup Whole Cashews
1/4cup Khova/heavy cream
2tsp Ghee
2 Onions chopped & paste
2 cloves
2 cinnamon
2 cardamom pods
1/2 cup Tomato puree
1tsp G+G+G[Ginger+Garlic+Green chilli]
2tsp Coriander powder
2tsp Red Chilli powder
1/2tsp Cumin powder
1/2tsp Pepper powder
1/2tsp cashew paste[5-10 cashews and 1tsp water and grind into fine paste]
1/2cup Fresh coconut slices
few curry leaves
1tsp Kasuri Methi

Method:
Fry Whole cashews in oil and keep aside. Heat ghee/oil in a pan add whole masalas, onion paste, G+G+G and saute for a minute. Then add tomato puree and dry masalas. Now fry till the oil seperates. Add 1/2 to 1 cup water[depending on the consistency required] and salt , when it starts boiling add khova/cream and fried cahews. Cook for few minutes. Finally add cashew paste, coconut bits and cook for 2-3 minutes and serve warm with chapathi's/ roti.