Cashew Gravy Recipes

Steps:

• Saute onion in oil until soft and slightly brown. (you can also let onions cook longer and get browner for an even richer flavor).
• (If you are using raw cashews, add them at this step and let them cook for several minutes to "toast" them).
• Add garlic and cook another minute longer to slightly brown the garlic.
• Add flour and stir it around over the heat for a minute.
• Add 1-2 cups of water a half cup at a time and stir to blend in the flour and thicken. Add more water as it becomes thick.
• (if you are using roasted cashews add them here).
• Add more water (another 1-2 cups) so that the broth is soup like and the cashews are completely in the water.
• Add soy sauce, pepper and salt (if desired) or any additional desired flavorings.
• Cook until cashews are soft and flavors have melded. I always let this simmer away for about 30 minutes and add more water and soy or spices as needed, but remember that the flavor will change when cashews are blended. When done cooking, you'll want it to be a thin gravy consistency. The cashews will thicken it up when you blend it.
• Turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to cool down.
• Puree in a blender or food processor in batches. You may need to add more water while blending to get the right consistency. Taste and adjust any seasoning.
• Can be refridgerated for several days. Freeze any leftovers in small batches to enjoy at a later date.

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the onions and cook until caramel in color, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally at first, then more often as color develops. Add water if needed to prevent sticking.
• Add the cashew butter, tamari, water and spices and cook until heated.
• Place in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Steps:

• Cut the chicken breasts into 1 inch pieces. In a shallow dish or bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda and 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch. In another dish or bowl beat the eggs. Dip chicken pieces into flour mixture, then eggs, then flour mixture again. Heat peanut oil in a large skillet and deep fry coated chicken in hot oil for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
• Meanwhile (while frying chicken), heat broth to boiling in a medium saucepan. Add oyster sauce, sugar, soy sauce and white pepper. Mix remaining 4 tablespoons cornstarch with a small amount of cold water in a cup. Stir cornstarch mixture slowly into broth mixture to thicken, then cook for another 5 minutes over medium-low heat.
• Preheat oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C). Heat cashew nuts and chopped green onions in preheated oven for about 5 minutes. Pour sauce over fried chicken and top with cashews and green onion. Serve with soy sauce to taste over a bed of fried rice, if desired.