Munthiri Masala Kurma Recipe – Kaju Masala Kurma Recipe
A rich, flavorful South Indian dish, Munthiri Masala Kurma (Kaju Masala Kurma) is a delightful combination of roasted cashews, aromatic spices, and homemade tomato puree. This vegetarian curry, infused with the traditional flavors of turmeric, red chili, garam masala, and sambar powder, offers a unique experience for your taste buds. Whether you’re planning a simple weekday meal or something special, this dish pairs beautifully with Palak Raita, Tawa Paratha, and a fresh Satvik Carrot Sprout Salad. With its creamy, mildly spiced gravy and crunchy cashews, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole cashews | 1 cup |
| Ghee (clarified butter) | 2 tablespoons (as required) |
| Homemade tomato puree | 1 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 inch |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Red chili powder | ½ 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 | ~300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~18g |
| Protein | ~8g |
| Fat | ~22g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~300mg |
| Sugar | ~5g |
(Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient specifics.)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Roasting the Cashews
Begin by heating ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add 5-6 cashews and fry them for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn a medium brown color. Once roasted, remove them from the pan and set them aside for later. -
Preparing the Cashew Powder
In a blender, place the remaining cashews and grind them into a fine powder. Set this aside as well for later use. -
Making the Onion-Ginger-Garlic Paste
Add chopped onion, ginger, and garlic into the same blender. Blend these ingredients together until they form a smooth paste, without adding any water. The paste will provide the base for your curry’s flavor. -
Cooking the Masala
Heat ghee in the same heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the freshly made onion-ginger-garlic paste and sauté for about a minute, until the raw smell disappears. -
Spicing the Gravy
Add curry leaves to the pan, followed by the cashew powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and sambar powder. Sauté this mixture for another minute, allowing the spices to blend and form a rich masala paste. -
Simmering the Curry
Now, add the homemade tomato puree along with one cup of water to the pan. Stir well, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the curry to thicken slightly. -
Final Adjustments
Taste the curry and adjust the salt and spices to your preference. If necessary, add a little more water to achieve your desired consistency. -
Serving
Transfer the Munthiri Masala Kurma to a serving bowl, and top it with the roasted cashew nuts you set aside earlier. This adds a delightful crunch to the creamy curry. -
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Munthiri Masala Kurma alongside Palak Raita, Tawa Paratha, and a fresh Satvik Carrot Sprout Salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for Making the Perfect Munthiri Masala Kurma:
- Consistency: You can adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more or less water, depending on whether you prefer a thicker or more liquid curry.
- Roasting Cashews: Don’t skip roasting the cashews as it enhances their flavor and gives a slightly smoky richness to the dish.
- Fresh Tomato Puree: Using homemade tomato puree adds a fresh taste to the curry, but you can also substitute store-bought puree if time is short.
- Customize the Spice Level: If you like it spicier, increase the amount of red chili powder or add a few green chilies during the sauté process.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Munthiri Masala Kurma is the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The creamy, slightly tangy gravy, combined with the richness of cashews and the aromatic spices, creates a mouthwatering experience. It’s a great dish for a light yet satisfying lunch, especially when paired with your favorite flatbreads or rice. The dish’s versatility allows it to be served for special occasions or as an everyday meal.
This Munthiri Masala Kurma Recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. The savory cashew curry provides a comforting and indulgent meal while being easy to prepare, even on busy weekdays. Enjoy this South Indian delicacy and bring a taste of traditional Indian flavors to your table!
