Sri Lankan Spicy Fried Cashews
Sri Lankan Spicy Fried Cashews are a crunchy and flavorful snack made with roasted cashews tossed with curry leaves, chili, and aromatic spices. This quick and easy snack is perfect for parties, gatherings, or enjoying with a refreshing drink.
Ingredients
- Raw Cashews250g - 350g
- Coconut Oil2 - 3 tbsp (or up to 1/4 cup for shallow frying)
- Curry Leaves10 - 15 leaves (a sprig or two)
- Garlic3 - 4 cloves
- Dried Red Chilies2 - 3 whole
- Chili Powder1 tsp (Hot or Kashmiri chili powder)
- Turmeric Powder1/4 tsp - 1/2 tsp
- Black Pepper1/2 tsp (ground)
- SaltTo taste (approx. 1/2 tsp)
Taste as you go. Traditional Hela cuisine balances heat, salt, and acidity by feel — trust your senses.
Method
To prepare Sri Lankan Spicy Fried Cashews, start by heating the coconut oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic, dried red chilies, and fresh curry leaves, frying them for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. Next, add the raw cashews to the pan and fry them while stirring continuously. Cook the mixture until the cashews turn a light golden brown and achieve a crispy texture. Once done, sprinkle the chili powder, turmeric powder, black pepper, and salt over the pan, mixing well to coat the cashews evenly in the spices. Finally, remove the pan from the heat and allow the cashews to cool completely, as they will become extra crispy as they cool down. Serve this flavorful dish as a delicious snack for parties or alongside your favorite drinks.