OLE KAJU USAL

Ole kaju means fresh kaju.  During summer, I have seen the village ladies in the market selling it in Watas means they keep a certain quantity on leaf and price them for Rs.10/- Rs.20/- etc.  If you take three watas, if the cost is Rs.60/- they might give you for Rs.50/- but in this case she was reluctant to give as  the cashews are costly plus getting wet kaju is difficult.

This is a konkan belt dish.  konkan curries are basically prepared in coconut gravy.  Fresh nuts melt in mouth and are very flavourful.  This can be served with bhakari/rice etc.

So far I have not prepared this and wants to try the subzi out of this.  Hence I just bought only one watta i.e. may be around 1/4 cup another 1/4cup I will be adding the dry kaju soaked in  warm water for 8-10 hours as told my neighbour as she is from Konkan.area.

Let us look at the recipe now: 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup wet kaju
1 onion chopped
1 tsp ginger garlic paste
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp malwani masala (readily available)
1 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tsp sugar (optinal) 
2 tbsp grated coconut
1 tsp tamarind pulp or 1 kokum
1 tsp magaz
1/2 tsp garam masala
salt
2 tsp oil + 1 tsp oil

Garnish:

chopped coriander leaves.

Method:

1.  First you have to peel the kaju.  I removed the skin with hand.  If you want you can put them in hot water and peel off the skin. soak the magaz for 30 minutes in hot water.

2.  Heat two tsp  oil in kadai.  Add the onion, saute till soft.  add the ginger garlic paste, saute.   Add the grated coconut and fry them till brown.  Allow to cool and grind to a smooth paste with magaz.

3.   Heat  one tsp oil in kadai.  Add malwani masala, tamarind pulp, turmeric powder, chilli powder, salt and saute for few minutes or till the oil oozes out.  

3.  Add the cashews, add water depending upon the consistency you required, and cook the same till the kajus are tender and soft.    Add the garam masala, sugar and mix well.  Your ole kaju usal is ready to serve.

How to serve:

Serve hot garnished with chopped coriander leaves with phulka, rice bhakari,  bhakri,rice etc.