I bet you won’t be able to stop munching them, these can get dangerously additcive! You can adjust the spice profile to your liking. We likes ours pretty tangy & hot. My spice blend recipe reflects the same. I usually go for the deep fried version becasue I make them just once a year duing diwali and allow ourselves the indulgence! However, I have also tested the oven roasted cashew method and I am including the instructions for the same in this post. I love having a stash of make ahead indian snacks like atta mathri or aloo laccha around the house during festival time. These masala kaju are perfect for nibbling with chai, mocktails or drinks and a huge hit with everyone. This is a vegan and gluten free recipe. My masala kaju recipe has slowly evolved over the years. I did not grow up seeing them made in my house. I often saw my husband picking a pack on visits to indian grocery stores and many times we ended up being disappointed with the taste. Slowly, I developed this recipe to suit our taste and stopped purchasing them. It is a lot economical to make them at home too. The masala kaju recipe is easy and as quick as mixing some spices with fried cashews.
Ingredients
Whole Raw Cashews - we are going to deep fry or roast them in the oven. Choose whichever method works for you. Oil - for cooking Spices - roasted cumin powder, kashmiri chilli powder (or paprika), amchur powder (dry mango powder), red chilli powder (hot), kala namak indian black salt,chaat masala,sugar,black pepper powder, salt
Step By Step Instructions
Roasting the Cashews
Alternatively, add cashews to a baking tray. Drizzle 2-3 tablespoon of oil and rub it nicely over the cashews. Make sure that the cashews are in a single layer. (image 7) Place the tray in the oven and bake at 400F for 6-8 minutes or until pinkish brown. (image 8). Keep an eye since they burn easily. Immediately toss in the masala while still warm as specified above.
Recipe Tips
Make sure that you are using dried raw cashews. You could use whole cashew nut or cashew halves. Add garlic powder or dried herbs (mint or kasuri methi) while making the spice blend if you wish. The spice blend is totally customizable. Double the recipe if you wish.
