Cashew Pot Recipe (Kaju Katli)
Description:
Kaju Katli, also known as Kaju Barfi, is a classic and beloved Indian sweet. Made primarily from cashew nuts, it is a smooth, melt-in-the-mouth dessert that is cherished for its subtle sweetness and luxurious texture. Often prepared during festivals like Diwali, weddings, and special occasions, this delicacy is a favorite for gifting and serving at celebrations. The rich flavor of cashews paired with a smooth texture makes Kaju Katli a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion—religious or otherwise. For an extra touch, serve it alongside savory snacks like Crispy Masala Peanuts or Baked Chevdo during tea time for a delightful balance of flavors.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cashew nuts | 2 cups |
| Sugar | 2 cups |
| Corn flour | 2 teaspoons |
| Ghee | 2 teaspoons |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Edible Silver Foil/Leaf (Chandi Ka Vark) | (optional) for garnishing |
| Mixed nuts (pistachio), crushed | (optional) for stuffing |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
90 minutes
Instructions
-
Preparing the Sugar Syrup:
Begin by placing a large, heavy-bottomed pan on the stove. Add the sugar and water to the pan and mix them together until well combined. Allow the mixture to come to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the syrup thickens to a two-string consistency. This consistency is crucial for the next step. -
Grinding Cashews:
While the sugar syrup is simmering, grind the cashew nuts and corn flour together to a fine powder. Ensure that the cashews are finely ground to achieve the smooth texture typical of Kaju Katli. -
Cooking the Cashew Mixture:
Once the sugar syrup has reached the two-string consistency, add the ground cashew-corn flour powder to the pan. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue mixing the ingredients until the entire mixture becomes smooth and cohesive. -
Incorporating Ghee:
Add the ghee to the mixture and stir it in. Let the mixture cook for another 7 to 10 minutes, or until it thickens further and begins to leave the sides of the pan. At this point, the mixture should have reached a dough-like consistency. -
Shaping the Kaju Katli:
Turn off the heat and transfer the mixture onto a flat surface or a tray lined with parchment paper. Spread the mixture evenly with a rolling pin to form a sheet about 1/2 inch thick. -
Decorating and Setting:
If using, gently place edible silver foil (Chandi Ka Vark) over the top of the barfi to add a touch of elegance. Let the Kaju Katli set and cool for a few hours at room temperature. -
Cutting and Serving:
Once cooled, cut the Kaju Katli into your desired shape—diamonds, squares, or rectangles. For an optional twist, you can make a sandwich by placing crushed pistachios between two pieces of Kaju Katli.Pro Tip: Store the Kaju Katli in an airtight container, and it will keep for several days. You can even refrigerate it to extend its shelf life. The sweet treat is perfect for Diwali or any festive occasion, and is sure to impress your friends and family with its delicious flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Enjoy this traditional Kaju Katli as a delectable dessert after meals or alongside a cup of tea with savory treats like Crispy Masala Peanuts or Baked Chevdo for a perfect combination of sweet and savory!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, 1 piece of Kaju Katli)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Sugars | 9 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Tips:
- Ghee: The ghee in this recipe is essential for giving the Kaju Katli its soft texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Corn Flour: This helps bind the cashew mixture and gives it a smoother finish, so make sure to use the exact quantity.
- Silver Foil (Chandi Ka Vark): Edible silver foil adds a traditional touch to Kaju Katli, making it visually stunning for special occasions.
Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts for stuffing or garnishing the Kaju Katli to suit your taste. The simplicity of the ingredients makes this recipe highly adaptable to personal preferences while keeping the authentic flavor intact.
