Haldirams Kaju Katli

Haldirams Kaju Katli

Kaju Katli, also known as Kaju Barfi, is a popular Indian sweet made from cashew nuts. It's a rich and delicious dessert that's often served during festivals, special occasions, and celebrations. Kaju Katli is known for its melt-in-the-mouth texture and nutty flavor. Here's how you can make Kaju Katli at home:

Ingredients:

• Cashew nuts: 1 cup (about 150g)
• Sugar: 1/2 cup
• Water: 1/4 cup
• Ghee (clarified butter): 1 tablespoon
• Cardamom powder: 1/4 teaspoon
• Silver leaf (optional, for garnishing)

Instructions:

1. Grinding Cashews:

   • Grind the cashew nuts to a fine powder in a food processor or a dry grinder. Be careful not to overgrind, as the nuts can release their oils and turn into a paste.

2. Preparing Sugar Syrup:

   • In a heavy-bottomed pan, add sugar and water. Heat the mixture on medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
   • Continue cooking the sugar syrup until it reaches a "single-thread" consistency. This means that if you take a small amount of syrup between your fingers and pull them apart, a single thread should form and not break immediately.
   • Turn off the heat.

3. Mixing Cashew Powder:

   • Add the powdered cashews to the sugar syrup. Mix well to form a smooth and lump-free mixture.

4. Cooking the Mixture:

   • Place the pan back on low heat and cook the cashew mixture while stirring continuously. The mixture will start to thicken and come together.

5. Adding Ghee and Flavoring:

   • Add ghee and cardamom powder to the mixture. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture starts leaving the sides of the pan. It will form a thick dough-like consistency.

6. Rolling and Shaping:

   • Transfer the mixture onto a greased plate or parchment paper. Allow it to cool slightly until it's safe to handle.

   • Grease your hands with a little ghee and knead the mixture gently to form a smooth ball.

   • Place another parchment paper on top and use a rolling pin to flatten the mixture into a uniform layer of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness.

7. Cutting into Diamonds:

   • While the mixture is still warm, use a sharp knife to cut it into diamond-shaped or square pieces.

8. Garnishing:

   • If using, gently place small pieces of silver leaf on top of each Kaju Katli for decoration.

9. Cooling and Storing:

   • Allow the Kaju Katli to cool completely before separating the pieces. Once cooled, carefully lift the pieces off the parchment paper.

   • Store the Kaju Katli in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for a week or more.

Kaju Katli is a delightful treat that's loved by people of all ages. Its delicate flavor, rich texture, and beautiful appearance make it a popular choice for gifting and sharing during festive occasions.