Cashew Pulao Recipe: Easy Restaurant-Style Cashew Rice

July 04, 2026
7 min read
cashew-pulao-recipe-by-jewel-farmer

The Cashew Pulao Recipe Everyone Will Ask You For 

Aromatic Cashew Pulao is a one-pot dish that uses basmati rice and whole spices and is packed with cashews, which get a lovely toast from the roasting process. 

This easy recipe is best suited for weeknight dinner and a weekender as well, and is ready in less than 40 mins. Using Jewel Farmer Salted & Roasted cashews in the pulao adds the perfect crunch and an even richer taste. It feels a little festive and tastes like restaurant-style.

Why You'll Love This Easy Cashew Pulao Recipe?

  • Ready in just 40 minutes
  • Beginner-friendly recipe
  • One-pot meal
  • Rich restaurant-style flavour
  • Crunchy Jewel Farmer Salted & Roasted Cashews
  • Perfect for festivals and family dinners

People often scan pages before reading.

Cashew Pulao Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)  

Nutrient

Value

Calories

380 kcal

Protein

9 g

Carbohydrates

48 g

Fat

16 g

Fiber

3 g

Iron

Moderate


Cashew Pulao Recipe at a Glance  

Attribute

Details

Recipe

Cashew Pulao

Cuisine

Indian

Course

Main Course

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

40 Minutes

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Main Ingredient

Jewel Farmer Salted & Roasted Cashews

Rice

Long Grain Basmati

Method

One Pot

Flavor

Mildly Spiced, Nutty

Texture

Fluffy Rice with Crunchy Cashews

Best For

Lunch, Dinner, Festivals


Ingredients You'll Need for Cashew Pulao 

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 cup Jewel Farmer Salted & Roasted Cashews
  • 2 tbsp ghee
  • 1 onion (sliced)
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 green chilies
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3 cloves
  • 3 cardamoms
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • Mint leaves
  • Coriander leaves
  • Salt (careful due to salted cashews)
  • Water

How to Make Cashew Pulao Step by Step?

Step 1: Wash and Soak the Basmati Rice 

Wash basmati rice under tap water till water runs clear. Wash basmati rice, soak it in water for 20 minutes, then drain. Soaked basmati rice will give long, separate grains.

Step 2: Temper the Whole Spices in Ghee 

Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and black pepper to it. Let them sizzle and give off the most aromatic fragrance.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Aromatics 

Now toss in the sliced onions and cook until golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and the green chillies and cook for a minute more till their aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 4: Coat the Rice with Aromatic Spices 

Carefully place the rinsed, soaked rice in the pan and stir so that each grain of rice is covered in the flavoured ghee.

Step 5: Cook the Cashew Pulao Until Fluffy 

Add water to the pan with some seasoning (remember you used Jewel Farmer Salted & Roasted Cashews, so ease up on the added salt), put the lid back on the pan and continue cooking on low heat until rice becomes tender.

Step 6: Fold in the Roasted Cashews 

Stir in all but a few of the Jewel Farmer Salted & Roasted Cashews until gently folded through. You want to reserve a small handful for the top to retain their wonderful crunchy texture.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve Hot 

Finally, the pulao is garnished with the remaining Jewel Farmer cashew nuts, fresh coriander leaves, mint leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. The pulao is allowed to stand for five minutes, and is then fluffy in light of a fork.

Why This Cashew Pulao Is So Flavorful and Aromatic?

It is all about how perfectly fresh, fragrant basmati rice, whole fragrant spices, and Jewel Farmer Salted & Roasted Cashews with their crunchy texture come together. 

With every spoonful of the pulao as it gets simmered, it begins to soak in the flavours of ghee, cumin, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, while cashew adds its characteristic buttery nutty taste and texture to the pulao, making it light and fluffy with an appetising aroma and texture.

Can You Use Salted & Roasted Cashews in Cashew Pulao? 

Yes, you may surely use Jewel Farmer Salted & Roasted Cashews for Cashew Pulao. They bring a delightful toasted flavour to the rice and have just the right crunch, as no deep frying or pan frying will be needed; plus, they are already lightly salted. 

All you will have to do is lower the salt content for the dish.

Which Rice Is Best for Cashew Pulao?

Long-grain basmati rice works best in Cashew Pulao; it fluffs up light, fluffy, and aromatic rice that is an excellent companion for the Jewel Farmer Salted & Roasted Cashews.

For the best results:

  • Use aged long-grain basmati rice for better texture.
  • Soak the rice for 20 minutes before cooking.
  • Wash the rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  • Cook on low heat to keep the grains separate and fluffy.

Is Cashew Pulao Healthy? Nutrition and Health Benefits 

Yes, Cashew Pulao can definitely be a healthy and filling food if it is taken in moderation. 

It consists of basmati rice, which provides energy, combined with Jewel Farmer Salted & Roasted Cashews, which are a source of healthy fat, plant-based protein and essential mineral nutrients.

Health benefits include:

  • Provides carbohydrates for sustained energy.
  • Contains healthy fats from roasted cashews.
  • Offers plant-based protein for a balanced meal.
  • Supplies minerals like magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc.
  • Pairs well with raita or vegetables for a more nutritious meal.

What to Serve with Cashew Pulao: Best Side Dishes 

Some simple side dishes will enhance the taste of rich, nutty Cashew Pulao very nicely.

Best pairings:

  • Cucumber or Boondi Raita
  • Dal Tadka
  • Paneer Butter Masala
  • Mixed Vegetable Curry
  • Plain Yogurt
  • Fresh Salad and Pickle

Common Cashew Pulao Myths vs Facts 

Many have an idea that making a delicious Cashew Pulao would be very tough. Let’s break these misconceptions.

Myth

Fact

Only raw cashews work in pulao.

Jewel Farmer Salted & Roasted Cashews add extra crunch and rich roasted flavour.

Cashew Pulao is hard to make.

It's a simple one-pot recipe that's perfect for beginners.

More spices mean better taste.

Balanced spices create the best aroma and flavour.

Cashew Pulao is only for festivals.

It's great for everyday meals and special occasions alike.

It takes over an hour to cook.

You can make it in about 40 minutes.

Roasted cashews turn soggy.

Add Jewel Farmer Salted & Roasted Cashews at the end to keep them crunchy.


Easy Cashew Pulao Variations to Try at Home 

Cashew Pulao can be adjusted to your preference. Vegetable components such as green peas, carrots, beans and sweet corn may be added for colour and nutrition. If preferred, raisins may be used for sweetness and mint leaves and coriander may be added for an aromatic fragrance.

 Whichever way you prepare it, the crunch and taste of Jewel Farmer Salted & Roasted Cashews fit perfectly.

How to Store and Reheat Cashew Pulao?

Store any remaining Cashew Pulao in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Heat it over the stove in a pan or in the microwave with a little water so it does not dry out. 

You can add a couple of cashew seeds for flavour before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cashew Pulao Every Time 

To prepare the finest Cashew Pulao recipe: It’s a golden rule to choose best-quality basmati rice, soak it for 30 minutes prior to cook them, as this will lead to fluffed and separated grains.

Cook your rice on a low flame & do not overstir, else you will end up with sticky rice. As we have salted the & roasted the nuts with a very subtle sprinkle of salt already, you just need to regulate the quantity of your salt for the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted & roasted cashews instead of raw cashews?

Yes, Jewel Farmer Salted & Roasted Cashews can be used successfully in this recipe. Just try to make adjustments with the added salt so it tastes okay.

Can I make Cashew Pulao ahead of time?

Yes, it may be made several hours beforehand, warmed through gently to serve. A couple of fresh roasted cashews to add when serving will add to the crisp texture.

Which rice gives the best results? 

I like to use long grain basmati rice as they produce very light, fluffy and fragrant grains.

Can I add vegetables to Cashew Pulao?

Yeah, those peas, carrots, beans, and corn blend nicely with the flavour and also give you added nutrients too.

Is Cashew Pulao suitable for lunch boxes?

It's good enough for several hours, thus, a very good option for your kids' lunch box or a picnic lunch box or an office lunch box.

Conclusion

This Cashew Pulao Recipe is absolutely simple, aromatic and delicious! Fluffy basmati rice, whole spices to tickle the senses and the absolutely delightful crispness from the Jewel Farmer Salted & Roasted Cashews- this dish is a complete meal in itself, be it an everyday one or for a festive spread. 

Just serve with a side of your choice and you will be ready with a restaurant-style meal in your kitchen. You will be asked for it, again and again.

Contact Us 

  • 📞 Phone: +91-9999447895 
  • ✉️ Email: mailus@jewelfarmer.com 
  • 📍 610, Ansal Chamber-II, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi-110066, India 

Follow Jewel Farmer

Share this article