Cashews have a way of making meals feel just a little more special. With their mild, buttery flavour and creamy texture, they’re a snack on their own, but also a secret weapon in the kitchen.
From classic cashew chicken to comfort food curries and decadent desserts, this versatile nut proves it belongs in every Canadian pantry. At Nutworks, our cashews are packed fresh to order, and available in eco-friendly paper packaging. That means you get cashews at peak flavour, prepared with care right here in Canada.
Why Cashews Deserve a Spot in Your Pantry
- Creamy texture: Blend cashews into sauces, soups, or desserts for silky smoothness.
- Nutrient-rich: They’re a source of plant protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc.
- Versatile: Cashews bring crunch to stir-fries, richness to curries, and sweetness to desserts.
It’s this combination of nutrition, flavour, and versatility that makes cashews so valuable in everyday cooking. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy comfort dish, or something sweet to share, cashews can do it all.
That’s why we’ve rounded up three easy, crowd-pleasing recipes that highlight just how adaptable cashews are; one savoury classic, one creamy curry, and one indulgent dessert.
Classic Cashew Chicken
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (bite-sized pieces)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- ½ cup roasted cashews
- 2 tbsp oil
- Steamed jasmine rice (to serve)
Method: Heat oil in a large pan or wok. Cook chicken and garlic until golden. Add onion and pepper, stir-fry until tender-crisp. Stir in soy and hoisin, toss to coat. Add cashews just before serving. Serve hot over rice.
Creamy Cashew Curry
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews (soaked 30 minutes)
- 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
- 2 tbsp curry paste
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 1 tbsp oil
- Fresh cilantro + lime wedges (garnish)
- Basmati rice or naan (to serve)
Method: Blend cashews and coconut milk until smooth. In a pan, heat oil, sauté onion and garlic, then stir in curry paste. Add blended mixture and vegetables, simmer 15–20 minutes until tender. Garnish with cilantro and lime, serve with rice or naan.
Cashew Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Makes 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs + ½ cup melted butter (crust)
- 1½ cups soaked cashews + 1 pack (250 g) cream cheese + ½ cup maple syrup + 1 tsp vanilla (filling)
- ½ cup caramel sauce + ½ cup roasted cashews, chopped (topping)
Method: Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment. Mix crumbs + butter, press into base. Blend cashews, cream cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth, spread over crust. Top with caramel sauce and chopped cashews. Chill 2+ hours before slicing.
Tips for Cooking & Baking with Cashews
Soak before blending: Just 30 minutes in warm water makes cashews easier to cream.
Toast for flavour: A light roast deepens their nutty sweetness.
Sweet or savoury: Cashews shine in curries, stir-fries, desserts, and even smoothies.
FAQ
Q: Do you have organic cashews?
A: Yes. Nutworks is proud to be certified organic with Ecocert, and our organic cashews are part of that lineup.
Q: How should I store cashews?
A: Keep them in a sealed jar in a cool, dark cupboard. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze in small batches.
Q: Can cashews replace dairy?
A: Absolutely. Blended cashews make a velvety base for sauces, cheese alternatives, and even ice cream.
Q: Where can I find Canadian-made items?
A: Look for our Made in Canada page—great mixes produced here at home.
A Nutty Finish
Cashews bring versatility, nutrition, and indulgence to any kitchen. Whether you’re tossing them into a stir-fry, simmering a curry, or layering them into cheesecake bars, they add a depth of flavour and texture that elevates everyday cooking.
When you order from Nutworks, you’re supporting a family-run Canadian business that packs every order fresh and works with local manufacturers for packaging. It’s quality you can taste — and values you can trust.