Scrambled Eggs, Cheese, and Avocado Tortilla Bowl Recipe
September 16, 2025
Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry Recipe
Creamy cashew chicken curry moves over traditional dairy with this rich and creamy preparation made using cow-free cashew cream for remarkable results. This innovative approach creates luxurious texture without any dairy products while maintaining the indulgent quality that makes creamy curries so appealing. The cashew cream provides natural richness that's remarkably similar to traditional dairy-based sauces. This cow-free version allows those with dairy sensitivities to enjoy rich, creamy curry without compromise. The plant-based cream demonstrates how nuts can create incredibly satisfying alternatives to traditional dairy ingredients in Indian cooking.
Mooove over, real cream — this rich and creamy chicken curry is made with cow-free cashew cream, which is remarkably similar to heavy cream in appearance, taste, and in-sauce behavior. In fact, cashew cream actually thickens up faster! Make this straightforward recipe with some garam masala and garnish with whole cashews, lime wedges, and cilantro. Serve with rice, garlic naan, or both!
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Additional Time:
4 hrs
Total Time:
4 hrs 50 mins
Servings:
8
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Ingredients
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons butter, divided
1 yellow onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups cold water
¾ cup whole roasted cashews
⅓ cup sliced green onions
⅓ cup freshly chopped cilantro
1 lime, juiced
Directions
Mix salt, paprika, garam masala, cumin, coriander, cayenne, and turmeric together in a small bowl. Set spice mix aside.
Cut one chicken thigh in half lengthwise along the crease. Halve the thicker portion to end up with three 2-inch pieces. Repeat with the remaining chicken thighs.
Transfer chicken to a bowl. Add oil and about 1/2 of the spice blend; mix thoroughly. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 to 12 hours.
When ready to cook, heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan over high heat until melted and golden brown. Add chicken in a single layer and cook until browned, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Return chicken and any accumulated juices to the bowl.
Heat remaining butter in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, tomato paste, ginger, and the remaining spice blend. Cook and stir until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add chicken and any accumulated juices.
Combine water and cashews in a blender; blend on high speed until very smooth, then stir into the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until flavors blend, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in green onions and cilantro; taste for seasoning. Squeeze in lime juice.
Chef John
Chef’s Notes
Feel free to use any prepared curry spice blend instead of garam masala.
After adding the cashew cream, you can simmer this for as little as 5 to 10 minutes (just until the chicken is cooked) or as long as 45 minutes, depending on how thick you want your sauce.
Try this with my recipe for garlic naan .
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 287 | Calories |
| 19g | Fat |
| 9g | Carbs |
| 22g | Protein |
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| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 8 | |
| Calories 287 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 19g | 24% |
| Saturated Fat 5g | 27% |
| Cholesterol 77mg | 26% |
| Sodium 824mg | 36% |
| Total Carbohydrate 9g | 3% |
| Dietary Fiber 2g | 7% |
| Total Sugars 2g | |
| Protein 22g | 44% |
| Vitamin C 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium 42mg | 3% |
| Iron 3mg | 15% |
| Potassium 346mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
