There are some special foods or snacks you have when you do not check your pocket while purchasing and enjoying those. Cashew nut is one of them. This is celebrated for their rich taste and creamy texture. Cashews are popular for their value addition in many cuisines around the globe. However, not all cashews are whole; many come broken, and these pieces are far from waste. Their irregular shapes and sizes bring a rustic charm to meals. The perfection should be in cooking, not in cashews. Hence, broken cashews are equally important as whole cashew nuts.
Using broken cashews or in recipes can be surprisingly delightful. With their small size and uneven edges, they can blend in or stand out in sweet and savoury meals, depending on the cook's goal. Broken cashews can make commonplace meals gourmet by adding a rich, nutty flavour to desserts and a pleasant crunch to savoury foods. Seven excellent meals showcase cracked cashews' beauty and taste.
7 Dishes You Can Make With Broken Cashews
Royal Kheer
Kheer, a beloved Indian dessert, becomes even more delightful with the addition of broken cashews. This creamy, rice-based pudding, rich with the flavours of milk and cardamom, is incomplete without the crunch of cashews. The broken cashews, added during the cooking process, meld seamlessly with the sweet, fragrant kheer. As the rice cooks slowly in milk, the cashews release their oils, enhancing the dish's creamy texture. Garnished with saffron and a mix of nuts, including the broken cashews, this dessert exudes a sense of royalty, making it a perfect end to any meal.
Cashew Khakra
Khakra, a popular Gujarati snack, gains an extra layer of flavour with the inclusion of broken cashews. This crispy, thin flatbread, often enjoyed with pickles or chutneys, becomes even more enjoyable with the nutty richness of cashews. The cashews are mixed into the dough, adding a delightful crunch to every bite. As the khakra is roasted on a griddle, the cashews become lightly toasted, imparting a deep, nutty flavour that complements the spiced dough. This simple addition transforms a humble snack into a gourmet treat.
Cashew-Studded Idli
Adding broken cashews to idlis creates a wonderful contrast in texture, making this South Indian breakfast classic even more enjoyable. Idlis, typically soft and fluffy, gain a delightful crunch when broken cashews are added to the batter. These cashew-studded idlis are not only visually appealing but also offer a unique eating experience. Served with coconut chutney or sambar, the cashews provide a rich, nutty flavour that elevates the traditional idli, maki king it a standout dish at any breakfast table.
Makhani Gravy
Makhani gravy, a staple in many Indian households, achieves a richer and creamier consistency with the addition of broken cashews. This luscious, buttery sauce, often used as a base for dishes like paneer makhani and butter chicken, benefits immensely from the cashews. Fried until golden and then ground into a smooth paste, the cashews add a velvety texture and a rich, nutty undertone to the gravy. Topped with a handful of chopped cashews for garnish, this dish becomes a celebration of flavours and textures, perfect for pairing with naan or rice.
Kaju Katli
This classic Indian sweet, made with broken cashew pieces, is a must-try for any cashew lover. Kaju katli, known for its diamond shape and silver leaf topping, is a rich, decadent treat. The broken cashews are soaked and blended into a smooth paste, then cooked with sugar to form a dough. This dough is rolled out and cut into thin slices, creating a sweet that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. The broken cashews give the katli a slightly grainy texture that melts in the mouth, making it a favourite at festivals and celebrations.
Cashew Chikki
Cashew chikki, a delightful brittle made with broken cashews and sugar syrup, is both nutritious and delicious. This traditional Indian sweet, often enjoyed as a snack, is all about the cashews. The broken pieces are coated in a thick, caramelised sugar syrup, then spread out to harden. Once set, the chikki is broken into pieces, each bite offering a perfect balance of sw kieet and nutty flavours. The broken cashews, with their irregular shapes, ensure that every piece is unique, adding to the charm of this crunchy treat.
Butter Chicken Masala
This beloved non-vegetarian dish gets a flavour boost from a creamy cashew paste, making it even more irresistible. Butter chicken masala, known for its rich, tomato-based sauce, becomes even more luxurious with the addition of cashew paste. The broken cashews are ground into a smooth paste and added to the gravy, giving it a creamy consistency and a deep, nutty flavour. The grilled chicken pieces, cooked in this sauce, absorb all the rich flavours, making this dish a true delight for any meat lover. This dish is a perfect treat for special occasions, served with butter naan, roti, or jeera rice.
Broken cashews are a versatile and valuable ingredient that can transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary delights. Their rich flavour and unique texture add depth and interest to a variety of recipes, from sweets to savoury dishes. Embracing broken cashews in cooking not only reduces waste but also enhances the overall dining experience.