Place the dried chillies into a small bowl and cover with freshly boiled hot water. Soak for 10 minutes, then drain well.
Using a food processor, blend the chillies with the cashew nuts and shallots into a paste. Add the remaining ingredients and blend together for a few minutes, until they form a well-combined paste.
Place a large frying pan over a low heat and add the extra 3 tablespoons of oil. When hot, add the paste and fry for 10 minutes stirring constantly. When you can see the oil is starting to separate from the paste it is ready.
Store in a clean jar, topped with a little oil, in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
