Beef and Cashew Nut Stew

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🥘 Beef and Cashew Nut Stew

🌟 Introduction

Beef and Cashew Nut Stew is a comforting, hearty dish that combines slow-cooked tender beef with the buttery crunch of roasted cashews. The deep savory sauce coats each bite with warmth and richness, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The nutty sweetness of cashews beautifully complements the bold spices and juicy beef.

📜 History

This dish takes inspiration from:

  • Asian stir-fries (especially Thai and Chinese cashew beef dishes)
  • African and Middle Eastern stews that combine meat with nuts for richness
  • Traditional home-style slow braising methods used worldwide

Cashews were originally native to Brazil but became widely used in African and Asian cooking through trade. Combining nuts with meat has long been a way to add protein, texture, and luxury to simple dishes.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Main

  • 1 kg beef chuck or stewing beef, cubed
  • 1 cup roasted cashew nuts (unsalted)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

Sauce & Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or coriander
  • Extra roasted cashews

🔪 Preparation (Formation)

  1. Cut beef into even cubes.
  2. Chop vegetables and measure spices.
  3. Lightly toast cashews in a dry pan for extra flavor.

🍳 Cooking Methods

Method 1 – Slow Braise (Best flavor)

  1. Heat oil in a heavy pot.
  2. Brown beef cubes in batches until caramelized.
  3. Remove beef, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger.
  4. Add tomato paste and spices, cook 2 minutes.
  5. Return beef to pot.
  6. Add broth, soy sauce, tomatoes, honey.
  7. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5–2 hours.
  8. Add cashews during last 10 minutes.

Method 2 – Pressure Cooker (Faster)

  • Cook under pressure for 35 minutes, then stir in cashews.

Method 3 – Stir-fry Style (Quick)

  • Slice beef thinly
  • Stir-fry on high heat
  • Add sauce and cashews at the end
  • Ready in 15 minutes

📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Season beef with salt and pepper.
  2. Brown beef pieces until golden.
  3. Cook aromatics.
  4. Build sauce.
  5. Simmer until tender.
  6. Add cashews.
  7. Garnish and serve hot.

💪 Benefits

  • High protein for muscle strength
  • Healthy fats from cashews support heart health
  • Iron-rich beef helps prevent anemia
  • Energy-dense and filling
  • Boosts immunity with garlic and ginger

🥗 Nutrition (Approx per serving)

  • Calories: 480–520 kcal
  • Protein: 35–40g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Carbs: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Iron: High
  • Zinc: High

❤️ Why People Love This Dish (For Lovers of Comfort Food)

  • Rich and cozy flavors
  • Tender melt-in-mouth beef
  • Crunchy nut contrast
  • Perfect with rice, couscous, or bread
  • Great for sharing with family

🍽 Serving Ideas

  • Steamed white rice
  • Butter couscous
  • Warm flatbread
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Side salad or pickled vegetables

🧠 Pro Tips

  • Marinate beef overnight for deeper flavor
  • Add coconut milk for creaminess
  • Add chili paste for spice lovers
  • Use slow cooker for 6–8 hours on low

🎯 Conclusion

Beef and Cashew Nut Stew is a beautiful combination of tender meat, rich sauce, and nutty crunch. It’s nourishing, satisfying, and perfect for both everyday meals and gatherings. Once you try it, it will quickly become a favorite comfort dish in your kitchen.

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