Easy Masala Cashew Nuts/ Roasted Kaju with Ghee

Masala flavored cashew nuts are a seriously addictive snack with the right balance of heat and flavor. It is a perfect combination of spicy, salty and with a touch of sweetness. Cashew nuts are one of my favorite nuts. It has a natural sweetness and milky flavor and they taste delicious. But here is an interesting twist, kick it up a notch higher with this masala flavored roasted cashew nuts. They make impressive gifts during holidays or festivals.

Spiced kaju or cashew nuts are very popular in India. You can buy roasted or deep-fried cashew nuts from bakeries. This tastes just like the store brought ones and you will be surprised how easy it is to make them at home. It is a versatile recipe and you can use any nuts of your choice. It is so good for snacking at home or as a party treat. Cashews are rich in Vitamin E, Vitamin B and iron with heart-healthy fats and protein.

The magic ingredients in this recipe are earthy spices, curry leaves, and flavorful ghee. Ghee is clarified butter which is melted and cooked till it reaches a light amber color. It is aromatic with a slightly nutty flavor. You can substitute with butter, coconut oil or olive oil but it is ghee that does all the magic! Masala cashew nuts are undeniably good, so give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out for you :)

Main Ingredients to make Masala Cashewnuts

This savory nut is flavored with garam masala and ghee. You can also use butter, olive oil or coconut oil. Fennel seeds are another spice that has a sweet aroma. Slightly crush the fennel to enable it to release its flavor while roasting. Curry leaves are added while frying to enhance the flavor.

Add chilly flakes or fresh cracked black pepper if you like to increase the heat level. For a touch of sweetness use sugar, brown sugar or maple syrup. This recipe calls for a tbs of egg white. Egg white helps to form a crunchy coating and also helps the masala to stick to the nuts. It is optional.

You can use honey or maple syrup instead and it will help the spices stay coated on the nuts.

Variations of spiced nuts

Try these different flavors to spice up cashew nuts. Use any nuts of your choice or a combination of your favorites.

Simple salt and black pepper cashew nuts roasted in butter. Add a pinch of sugar for a touch of sweetness.

Lemon pepper cashew nuts- Use zest of one lemon, freshly ground black pepper, salt, and coconut oil, mix with nuts and roast.

Deep-fried masala cashew nuts coated with spicy batter. Make a batter with chickpeas flour, chilly powder, turmeric powder, and hing

Cajun-spiced nuts-use a spice mix of garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Sumac spiced nuts Mix sumac, zaatar spice mix ( optional) maple syrup, salt and pepper and olive oil to roast nuts.

Garlic pepper flavored nuts can be made by combining garlic powder, pepper powder, smoked paprika, salt and half tsp of sugar.

Easy Masala Cashew Nuts/ Roasted Kaju with Ghee

Cooking time- 5 minutes
Recipe type- Snack/ appetizer
Cuisine- Indian

Ingredients
Raw Cashew nuts- 1 cup
Chilly powder- 1 tsp
Garam masala- 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder- a pinch
Fennel powder- a pinch
Chaat Masala- 1/8 tsp ( Optional)
Salt to taste
Pepper powder- 1/8 tsp
Sugar- 1 tsp
Egg white - 1 tbs
Ghee- 1 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves- a few

In a bowl mix chilly powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, fennel powder, chaat masala, salt, sugar and pepper powder and mix well.
Into a bowl add cashew nuts. Whisk egg white till fluffy and mix with the nuts. Sprinkle half of the spice mix over the nuts and toss well.
Heat ghee in a pan and add curry leaves. Fry till crispy. Reduce the flame to low and gently roast the nuts. After a minute add the rest of the spice mix. Saute and toast the nuts until it is slightly golden. This will take around 3-4 minutes. Switch off the flame and let it cool down completely. As it cools down it will become more crunchy and crisp.
The above recipe is for the pan roast method. If you want to make in the oven preheat to 350-degree f. Spread the masala coated cashew nuts on lined parchment paper. Drizzle melted butter or ghee and bake for 10 minutes. Let it cool down completely and transfer into an airtight container. This can be stored at room temperature for up to 15 days. Enjoy!