Munthiri Masala Kurma Recipe – A Rich and Flavorful South Indian Delight
Munthiri Masala Kurma is a decadent South Indian dish where cashew nuts are cooked to perfection in a rich, aromatic gravy made from a blend of tomatoes and traditional Indian spices. This flavorful masala gravy can be paired with roti, rice, or other types of flatbreads, making it a versatile and satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. The creamy cashew sauce gives this dish a unique texture, making it a favorite in South Indian homes and at festive occasions. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing for a special gathering, this recipe promises to deliver rich flavors with every bite.
Recipe Overview:
- Cuisine: South Indian
- Course: Lunch
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cashew nuts | 1 cup |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Homemade tomato puree | 1 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 inch piece |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sambar Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Potassium | 200mg |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Cashews:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- Add 5-6 cashews and fry them until they turn a medium brown color, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside for garnish later.
-
-
Grind Cashews:
- In a blender, add the remaining cashews and grind them into a fine powder. Set the cashew powder aside for later use in the gravy.
-
Make Onion-Ginger-Garlic Paste:
- In the same blender, add the chopped onion, ginger, and garlic. Blend to a smooth paste without adding any water. This will form the base of your curry masala.
-
Cook the Masala:
- In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of ghee. Once hot, add the prepared onion, ginger, and garlic paste. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the raw smell of the paste disappears.
- Add curry leaves, followed by the cashew powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, and sambar powder. Sauté the mixture for another minute until the spices blend well and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
-
Simmer the Gravy:
- Pour in the homemade tomato puree, followed by a cup of water. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a simmer.
- Let the gravy cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the spices and tomato to meld together, creating a rich and flavorful base.
-
Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the gravy and adjust the salt and spice levels to suit your preference. If the gravy appears too thick, add a little more water to achieve your desired consistency.
-
Serve:
- Transfer the Munthiri Masala Kurma to a serving bowl and top it with the roasted cashews that you set aside earlier.
- Serve hot with Palak Raita, Tawa Paratha, and Satvik Carrot Sprout Salad for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfect Munthiri Masala Kurma:
- Roasting Cashews: Don’t skip roasting the cashews at the start, as it enhances their flavor and gives them a nice texture in the final dish.
- Consistency: Adjust the amount of water based on your preference for gravy thickness. For a richer, creamier sauce, you can reduce the water slightly.
- Spice Adjustments: The beauty of this recipe is in the balance of spices. Feel free to adjust the heat level by modifying the quantity of red chilli powder to suit your taste.
- Ghee: Ghee is essential in this recipe for its distinct flavor and richness. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use oil, but ghee will give the dish a more authentic taste.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Rice: Munthiri Masala Kurma pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice, absorbing all the delicious gravy.
- With Paratha or Roti: For a more fulfilling meal, serve this rich masala with warm tawa parathas or soft rotis.
- With Raita: A cooling yogurt-based raita, such as Palak Raita, complements the spiciness of the dish and adds a refreshing contrast.
- Salads: A simple side salad like Satvik Carrot Sprout Salad enhances the meal with fresh textures and flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Munthiri Masala Kurma is an excellent choice when you want to bring bold South Indian flavors to your kitchen. The unique combination of roasted cashews and a blend of traditional spices gives this dish a rich, comforting taste that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or preparing it for a special occasion, this dish will be a crowd-pleaser every time. It’s perfect for vegetarians and those looking to explore new tastes from Indian cuisine.
Enjoy the warm, nutty goodness of Munthiri Masala Kurma and elevate your culinary experience today!
