AUTHENTIC CASHEW RECIPES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Authentic Cashew Recipes from Around the World
Cashews are much more than a convenient snack. Their creamy texture, natural sweetness and satisfying crunch have made them an important ingredient in cuisines across Asia, Africa and beyond.
From spicy Thai cashew chicken and rich Indian kaju katli to creamy Sri Lankan cashew curry and Brazilian dishes featuring cashew-based sauces, these versatile kernels can transform both sweet and savoury recipes.
At Seneca Holdings, we appreciate the versatility of quality cashews and their role in modern food preparation. Our range includes organic raw cashews, cashew pieces and roasted cashews, making it easy to explore different recipes and cooking styles.
In this guide, we travel around the world to discover some of the most interesting ways to cook with cashews.
1. Thai Cashew Chicken
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One of the best-known savoury cashew dishes is Thai cashew chicken, commonly known as Gai Pad Med Mamuang Himmapan.
The dish combines tender chicken, roasted cashews, vegetables, chillies and aromatic ingredients in a savoury sauce. The contrast between the crunchy cashews and tender chicken is what makes this dish particularly appealing.
Basic ingredients
- Chicken breast or thigh
- Raw or roasted cashews
- Onion
- Bell pepper
- Dried or fresh chilli
- Garlic
- Spring onions
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- A little sugar
- Cooking oil
For the best texture, lightly toast the cashews before adding them to the finished stir-fry. Food Network also identifies Thai cashew chicken as a classic preparation combining crunchy cashews, chicken and crisp vegetables.
2. Indian Kaju Katli
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If you’re looking for a completely different use for cashews, Kaju Katli is a classic Indian sweet made primarily from ground cashews and sugar.
The cashews are finely ground and combined with a cooked sugar syrup to create a smooth dough. It is then rolled, cut into diamond-shaped pieces and traditionally decorated with edible silver leaf.
Kaju Katli is particularly associated with festive occasions such as Diwali, when it is commonly included among traditional Indian sweets.
Simple Kaju Katli ingredients
- Finely ground cashews
- Sugar
- Water
- Cardamom
- Ghee, optional
- Edible silver leaf, optional
The secret is to grind the cashews finely without turning them into cashew butter.
Best cashew choice: High-quality raw whole cashews or cashew pieces.
3. Sri Lankan Cashew Curry
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Sri Lankan cuisine demonstrates how cashews can become the main ingredient rather than simply a garnish.
Sri Lankan cashew curry combines softened cashews with coconut milk, curry spices, onions and aromatics. The result is creamy, fragrant and satisfying.
The cashews are generally soaked before cooking, allowing them to soften and absorb the flavours of the curry.
Typical ingredients
- Raw cashews
- Coconut milk
- Onion
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Curry leaves
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
- Chilli
- Curry powder
- Salt
Serve it with steamed rice, roti or another traditional accompaniment.
Modern recipe collections continue to feature Sri Lankan cashew curry as one of the standout ways to cook with cashews.
4. Brazilian Vatapá with Cashews
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Cashews also have an important place in Brazilian cooking, particularly in the cuisine of Bahia.
One example is Vatapá, a rich, creamy preparation traditionally associated with dishes such as acarajé. Depending on the recipe, vatapá can contain ingredients including dried shrimp, coconut milk, peanuts, bread, chilli, ginger and cashews.
The cashews contribute richness and texture to the sauce.
A traditional Brazilian acarajé recipe from Great British Chefs, for example, incorporates cashews and peanuts into the vatapá filling.
This is a fascinating example of how the cashew travelled far from its South American origins and became incorporated into different culinary traditions.
5. African Cashew Recipes
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Cashews are particularly important to several African agricultural economies, and they also appear in regional cooking.
The African Cashew Alliance highlights recipe collections from Mozambique, The Gambia and Senegal, demonstrating how cashews can be used in both traditional African cooking and contemporary recipes.
In African-inspired cooking, cashews can be used to:
- Thicken sauces
- Create creamy nut-based pastes
- Add texture to stews
- Garnish rice dishes
- Complement grilled meat or seafood
- Prepare snacks and desserts
Try a Mozambique-inspired cashew sauce
Blend soaked cashews with:
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Chilli
- Lemon or lime juice
- A little water
- Salt
Use the resulting creamy sauce with grilled vegetables, chicken or fish.
6. Goan Cashew Recipes
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Goa has a particularly interesting relationship with cashews.
The cashew tree is not native to India. It originated in northeastern Brazil and was introduced to Goa by the Portuguese during the 16th century. Over time, cashews became deeply connected with Goan agriculture, food culture and local industry.
Cashews are used in Goan cooking for curries, sweets, snacks and drinks.
For anyone interested in the history behind this connection, Seneca Holdings has also published an in-depth article on The Interesting History of Authentic Goan Cashews.
7. Indian Cashew-Based Curry Sauces
Cashews are also widely used to create rich and creamy sauces in Indian cooking.
Soaked cashews can be blended into a smooth paste and added to dishes containing vegetables, paneer, chicken or other proteins.
Unlike cream-heavy sauces, cashew paste provides a naturally creamy consistency while also adding the characteristic flavour of roasted or raw cashews.
For example, cashews can be incorporated into rich chicken curries, with recipes combining cashew nut butter, tomato, spices and cream.
Basic cashew curry paste
Blend:
- ½ cup soaked cashews
- ½ cup water
- 1 small onion
- 1 garlic clove
- Small piece of ginger
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
Cook the paste with tomatoes, vegetables or your preferred protein.
8. Cashew Cream – A Modern Global Favourite
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One of the most versatile modern uses for cashews is cashew cream.
Simply soak raw cashews until soft, drain them and blend with water until smooth. Depending on how much water you use, the result can become a thick cream, sauce or dairy-free milk.
Cashew cream can be used for:
- Pasta sauces
- Soups
- Dips
- Vegan cheese
- Salad dressings
- Desserts
- Vegetable sauces
Modern recipe collections increasingly use blended cashews as a creamy alternative in dairy-free cooking.
How to Choose the Right Cashews for Cooking
Not every recipe requires the same type of cashew.
Whole cashews
Ideal for:
- Thai cashew chicken
- Stir-fries
- Curries
- Salads
- Garnishes
- Snacks
Cashew pieces
Excellent for:
- Baking
- Sauces
- Granola
- Cashew butter
- Ground cashew recipes
Raw cashews
Best for:
- Cashew cream
- Cashew milk
- Indian sweets
- Curry sauces
- Vegan cheese
Roasted cashews
Perfect for:
- Snacking
- Toppings
- Stir-fries
- Salads
- Desserts
You can explore Seneca Holdings’ range of premium nuts and cashews when choosing cashews for your next recipe.
Tips for Cooking with Cashews
1. Toast them for extra flavour
Lightly roasting cashews brings out their natural sweetness and creates a deeper, nuttier flavour.
2. Soak them for creamy recipes
Soaking raw cashews makes them softer and easier to blend into sauces and creams.
3. Don’t overcook roasted cashews
Already-roasted cashews can become bitter if exposed to excessive heat.
4. Choose the right size
Whole kernels are best when appearance and crunch matter. Pieces are more economical when the cashews will be blended, chopped or ground.
5. Store cashews properly
Cashews contain natural oils, so store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For longer storage, refrigeration can help maintain freshness.
From Brazil to the World: The Journey of the Cashew
One of the most fascinating things about cashews is their global journey.
The cashew tree originated in Brazil, but Portuguese traders helped spread it to other parts of the world. It eventually became an important crop in countries including India and across parts of Africa.
Today, cashews are enjoyed in everything from traditional curries and sweets to modern plant-based sauces.
That global journey has made the cashew one of the most versatile ingredients in international cuisine.
Discover More About Cashews
If you’re interested in learning more about cashews, explore the Seneca Holdings resources:
- How to Choose the Right Cashew Product for Your Diet – learn more about selecting cashew products.
- Are Cashews Diet-Friendly? Exploring Nutritional Possibilities – explore different ways cashews can fit into a balanced diet.
- The Interesting History of Authentic Goan Cashews – discover the fascinating history of cashews in Goa.
- Seneca Holdings – Premium Nuts, Seeds & Grains – explore the company’s range of nuts, seeds and agricultural products.
For additional recipe inspiration, the African Cashew Alliance provides access to cashew recipe collections from Mozambique, Senegal and other regions.
Final Thoughts
From Thai cashew chicken and Indian kaju katli to Sri Lankan cashew curry, Brazilian vatapá and African-inspired cashew dishes, these recipes demonstrate just how adaptable the cashew can be.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday meal, experimenting with plant-based cooking or looking for a traditional dessert, quality cashews can add creaminess, crunch, richness and natural flavour.
At Seneca Holdings, we believe good food begins with quality ingredients. Explore our premium cashew and nut range and discover new ways to bring the flavours of the world into your kitchen.